Bessie Earline Ollila, age 92, of Apple Valley, formerly of Farmington, passed away August 10, 2010, at North Ridge Care Center in New Hope.
Preceded in death by her husband, Albert, and brother, O. Lee Dooley.
She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn (Steve) Feeny; grandchildren, Allison (Cameron) Becker, Briana Feeny, and Chad Feeny; sister-in-law Jeanne Dooley; brother- and sister-in-law Willard and LaVonne Ollila; also by her close friend and companion Tom Nygard and many loving nieces and nephews.
Funeral service 11 a.m. Monday, August 16, at Faith United Methodist Church, Farmington. Visitation from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at White Funeral Home, 901 3rd St., Farmington and one hour prior to the service at church.
Earline was born in Stoutsville, Mo., on Sept. 7, 1917, to Margie Hortense (White) and Orpha Lee Dooley. She attended elementary school in Monroe County, Mo., and middle school in Garden Grove, Iowa. Earline graduated from Hudson High School (Wisconsin) in 1936 and worked at the Brown & Bigelow offices in St. Paul for a few years.
In 1940, Earline joined her mother in a lifelong career of cooking. Their experiences included cooking for the Breck School for Boys in St. Paul, St. James School for Boys in Faribault, and then, in 1945, they purchased the Avalon Café in Farmington. Earline and her mother became partners in managing the restaurant business for 22 years, sharing their hospitality and delicious home cooking. Earline met her husband, Albert, who was a frequent customer at the café, and they were married on Feb. 28, 1948, in the Farmington Methodist Church. They were married for ten years until Albert’s death, having one daughter.
Earline continued to cook in numerous restaurant businesses around the area for another 30 years, retiring in her mid-70s. She was a strong, hard-working gentle soul who touched many lives while serving the public. This gave her the opportunity to make many lifelong friends, as well as to show kindness and share a good meal with the many regular customers and those just passing through town.
With only a few minor health issues, Earline enjoyed several years of rest and retirement, until a broken hip led her to North Ridge Care Center twenty months ago. Even though some issues with memory and clarity were taking their toll, Earline was cherished by the staff at the home. Her positive nature, warm smile and kind words will be missed by all she has known throughout her long life. Rest in peace, Earline - we love you.
Tags: obituaries
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