Russell A. Olson, 98, of Windham and formerly of Monson, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 17, after a brief period of declining health. Russ was born in Monson on July 27, 1918, the son of J. Albert and Ardena (Haggstrom) Olson. He graduated from Monson Academy in 1936 and proudly served our country in the US Navy Seabees during WW II. He was employed as a saw filer for the Draper Corporation, L.C Andrews and Hancock Lumber. Russ was a member of the North Windham Union Church UCC, and a lifetime member of the VFW. Russ was a founding member of Windham Little League and a faithful volunteer Christmas bell ringer for the Salvation Army until he was 95. He was also an active member of Eastern Star Encampment No. 2 retiring as the Chief Patriarch which gained him membership into the Grand Encampment. He also served in many capacities in Unity Lodge No. 3 and in the Presumpscot Tribe No. 21. He was also a member of the 1918 Club and the Manchester School Generation singing group. He enjoyed traveling, camping and family reunions at Bradbury Mt. Russ will always be remembered for his positive attitude, his kind and gentle ways and especially as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Russ was predeceased by his first wife, Dorothy (Dean) Olson and their infant daughter, Helen, his second wife, Ruth (Elliott) Olson, his brother Lester and his sister Margaret Strout. He is survived by his sister Beatrice Strout of Lisbon Falls, his sons, Brian and his wife, Elizabeth of Chile, Brent and his wife Rachel of Windham, John and his wife Karen also of Windham and stepson, C. Richard Elliott and his wife Judy of Standish. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Carl Schuler and to the dedicated staff of Country Village Assisted Living in Casco for the wonderful and loving care Russ received while residing there. A Celebration of his Life will take place at the North Windham Union Church on Monday, December 26, at 3 PM followed by a gathering in the church hall where all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to: North Windham Union Church UCC 723 Roosevelt Trail Windham, ME 04062 or to Country Village Assisted Living---Activity Fund PO. Box 600 Casco, ME 04015.