Olive Mae Colwell, 86, of Galesburg, died at 1:50 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, in OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
She was born October 29, 1939, in Washington, Iowa, the daughter of Reginald Lauchs and Dorothea Merle (Seydel) Lawson. She married Larry Thomas Colwell on May 16, 1959, in Knox County.
She is survived by her husband of over 67 years, Larry; three daughters, Wendy (Cecil) Wolfe of Kempner, Texas, Jennifer (Andrew) Kane of Lake Villa, Illinois, and Pamela (Kenton) Walter of Fort Knox, Kentucky; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a sister, Patsy Ann Carruthers of Madison, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Frederick Dean Lawson and Reginald Duane Lawson.
Olive graduated from Galesburg High School in 1958. She later went on to graduate from Carl Sandburg College as a registered nurse. Over the years, Olive had worked at the Harrington Home, the former Galesburg State Research Hospital, and Marigold Nursing Home. Nursing was a natural fit for Olive as she enjoyed taking care of and helping others. In her spare time, she enjoyed crafting.
Cremation will be accorded. No visitation or service is planned. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the American Red Cross. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
