Oleta Pearson

Florence Oleta Pearson, 92, passed away July 16, 2024 at her daughter's home near Bozeman Montana. She was born January 11, 1932 near Albany Oregon the 5th of 10 children born to Yancy and Lela (Cox) McGill. 

The McGill family moved to a farm on the North Santiam river near Marion Oregon where Oleta attended grade school. On one of her first days at the new school, she met her future husband, Fay Wells. Oleta graduated from Cascade Union High School in Turner, OR in 1951 and briefly attended Oregon State University. She married Fay Wells and the young couple bought a home across the street from the Marion Grade School. She still owned the home at the time of her death. 

Fay and Oleta raised four children together until his untimely death at age 38. Then she began working as a school bus driver to support the family. Later she married Mervin ("Skinny") Pearson a retired rancher from Turner Oregon. They enjoyed over 20 happy years hunting and fishing together. She was a lifelong member of Marion Church of God 7th Day.

 Oleta is survived by her children: Carolyn Wells (Dan Griffing) of Belgrade, MT, Cindi Wells of Marion, OR and Laura (John) Jacobsen of Monroe, OR; daughter-in-law Linda Wells of Stayton, OR; brother David (Phyllis) McGill of Stayton, OR; 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

 Oleta was proceeded in death by her parents, husbands Fay Wells and Mervin Pearson, infant daughter Connie Sue Wells and son Jeffrey Fay Wells.

  Also proceeding her in death were eight siblings: LaWanda Duncan, Ernestine Williams, Betty Severson, Jeanetta Threlkel, Leola Aguilar, Elizabeth Crawford, Stanley McGill and Morris McGill.

 Graveside service will be held 11 am August 9th at Belcrest Memorial Park 1295 Browning Ave South, Salem, OR. Following at 1pm a gathering and lunch in her honor will be held at the Marion Church of God 7th Day, 7478 Stayton Rd SE Turner, OR.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the American Heart Association.