Throughout Maxine (Mackie) Olson’s life, she had an affinity for all animals. You could find her in youth or adulthood, saddling up a horse, tending the cattle, caring for calves, fixing fences, and eventually curating her own thriving ranch in Eatonville up to the time of her retirement. She was always guided by her strong Lutheran roots to stay connected and provide support for her parents and closeness to her siblings.

Mackie was born in Alexandria, South Dakota, in 1934, and she spent her summers with her large extended family on their farms in Preston, South Dakota. There is where she learned to milk cows and to love farming and ranching life. She embraced learning to eventually become a pioneer woman on her own terms. In the summer of 1941, Mackie and her family moved west to Vashon Island. Once settled, she joined the local riding club which nurtured her lifetime love of horsemanship.

After graduation from Vashon High School, she began her career in banking in Seattle. Mackie took an early retirement and, with her husband, realized her life-long dream come true of owning a horse and cattle ranch located near the foot of Mount Rainier on the outskirts of Eatonville. There was always a loving and devoted cattle dog at their side. The last 15 years of her life were spent living near her family on Vashon Island. Mackie resided her final year within the care of Island Elder Care at Gold Beach.

Maxine Olson was predeceased by her husband Morton Olson, parents Art & Ina Langland, brothers Dwayne and Kenneth Langland and sister Betty Joslyn. She is survived by her sister Mary Lou Constans, sister-in-law June Langland, and many nieces & nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Vashon Lutheran Church on June 23rd, at 1:00 pm.

The family requests contributions in her memory be made to Vashon Lutheran Church or the Humane Society.