Olive G. Blair

Olive Blair, age 88, of Minneapolis, MN, died Sunday, January 11, 2015, at Walker Methodist Health Center in Minneapolis, MN. Olive G. Blair was born April 16, 1926, in White Earth, MN, the daughter of Edward and Lizzie (Pemberton) Blair. Growing up she attended St. Benedict’s Mission School then Mahnomen High School. Following her schooling, Olive moved to Lansing, MI, where she worked in the plants during WWII. When the war ended, Olive moved back to the reservation. She spent her days peeling pulp, picking potatoes, harvesting wild rice, and trading fish. Several years later, she moved to the Minneapolis area where she worked at the Sheraton, then sewing hats at JA Miller Hat Co., followed by sewing jackets at Burmans Buckskin. Olive lived in Mahnomen at the Valley View apartments for 14 years before moving into Lamplighter Manor in Detroit Lakes, MN. She then returned to Minneapolis where she has lived for the last 8 years of her life. Olive was always a hard worker. She helped with the chores, raised chickens, and had a garden, all while raising her family. She loved to sew and made quilts for all of her grandchildren. Olive treasured the holidays and everyone looked forward to her potato salad each 4th of July. She cherished her family and enjoyed teaching her grandchildren to bead and play games, especially Crazy 8’s and Dice. Her gentle spirit touched the hearts of so many. Olive is survived by three sons: Arnold Blair of Minneapolis, Gary (Cindy) Blair and Alexandria, and Maynard Blair of Minneapolis; one daughter, Karen Wadena of Naytahwaush, MN; 13 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 52 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sons: Steve and Eugene; and infant daughter; one grandson, Randy Sr.; and three great grandsons: Randy “Buddy” Wadena Jr., Lawrence “Guy” Folstrom and John Folstrom. Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 16, 2015 at 11 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Beaulieu, MN. Visitation will begin Wednesday, January 14, 2015, at 5 pm at the Old Community Center in Naytahwaush and will continue until the time of the funeral on Friday. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.

Olive G. Blair

April 16, 1926 - January 11, 2015