Barbara Jane Olson

Barbara Jane Olson (Smiley), 87, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026, after a years-long struggle with dementia. She was a loving, selfless, and devoted wife, mother, daughter, aunt, and friend whose life was defined by kindness and dedication to family. Born on June 4, 1939, in Junction City, Kansas, Barbara was the daughter of Edward and Betty (Leonard) Smiley. She graduated from Junction City High School in 1957 and went on to attend Kansas State University, where she majored in Biological Science and Medical Technology. Barbara also enjoyed sorority life as a member of Alpha Xi Delta.

In her younger years, Barbara loved horseback riding and caring for her palomino horse, Pal. A skilled rider, she competed with Pal in barrel racing and jumping events. While attending Kansas State University in 1958, she was introduced by a friend to Harvey Olson, whom she married in August 1959.

After graduation, Barbara and Harvey moved to Ames, Iowa, where they began their family with the births of their sons, Brian and Bradley. In 1968, Barbara moved to Creston, Iowa, where she devoted many years to raising her boys and working as a medical technician at Greater Community Hospital.

Barbara began her retirement years in October 1994 after moving to Weslaco, Texas. In 2003, she relocated to Montrose, Colorado, where she enjoyed the cooler temperatures and mountain scenery. She later moved to Wake Forest, North Carolina, in 2020, where she spent her final years before her passing.

Barbara was a talented artist and painter who enjoyed spending time with her beloved Shelties, traveling the country with Harvey in their Winnebago motorhome, off-roading, searching for wildflowers, and playing bridge. An avid reader, she especially enjoyed the works of Stephen King, James Michener, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Peter Benchley, among others. She also enjoyed watching The Twilight Zone, Night Stalker, Dexter, and any Olympic event featuring horses.

Barbara lived selflessly, first dedicating herself to supporting Harvey and raising their two sons, and later serving others through her work as a medical technician and veterinary clinic assistant. In Colorado, she volunteered in her community and spent five years as Harvey’s primary caregiver as he battled prostate cancer.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Harvey Olson; her mother, Betty (Leonard) Smiley; her father, Edward Smiley; and her beloved dogs Sandy, Heidi, Molly, Chief, McGee, and Rowdy.

She is survived by her sons, Brian Olson of Austin, Texas, and Brad (Cindy) Olson of Durham, North Carolina; her sisters, Cindy Owen and Kathy Smiley; her nieces, Michelle Merris and Janette Blaise; and her nephews, Marvin Owen and Michael Olson.

Barbara’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the dedicated and compassionate staff at Cadence Senior Living in North Raleigh for the comfort and care they provided during the final three and a half years of her life.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, Friday, September 11, 2026, at Johnson & Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home in Junction City, Kansas. A graveside service will follow the visitation at 11:30 am at Dwight Cemetery, Dwight, Kansas.