Mary (Hudson) McNelly Olsson

Mary (Hudson) McNelly Olsson, age 76, loving mother of six, passed away at her home in Grove, Oklahoma on February 21, 2024. Born in Bentonville, Arkansas October 19, 1947, to Jack and Dorothy Hudson, Mary grew up surrounded by her large family. Mary graduated from Bentonville High School before entering the workforce, where she held a vast array of roles, but was always happiest when she was helping others.

You never knew what you might find Mary doing as she loved everything from riding a wagon through the hills, to traveling throughout the country, shopping, planting flowers, or baking. As long as she was with her children, grandchildren, family or friends everyone was guaranteed to be having fun and enjoying their time together. Her smile and laughter was contagious and warmed the heart of everyone she met. Even with her numerous hobbies and travels, it was Mary’s family that truly made her happy. If this wasn’t evident by her nearly always being with a member of family (whether it be a brother or sister or a great-grandchild) a short walk through her home would make it so, she dearly loved each of them.

Everyone who knew Mary knew how much she loved life; it could be said that she loved to love. She will always be remembered for her big heart, huge smile, her love for flowers, fireworks, family and fun and her sweet jam. We couldn’t have asked for a better wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and friend. We will miss Mary every day, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her so dearly.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dorothy, son, Frank McNelly, Brother Lee Phillips and sister Linda Wright and is survived by her husband Bill Olsson, Sons J.D., David, and Basil McNelly and daughters, Karen Sue Gilbert and Misty Regina McNelly, brother Jack Hudson, sisters Janie Meenen, Ruby Faucett, Ada Lewis and Imogene Dickey and their spouses, 14 Grandchildren, and 18 Great-grandchildren.

Visitation is February 27 th from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Epting Funeral Home in Gravette, Arkansas and Graveside Service will be February 28th at 10:00 AM at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Gravette.