Lila A. Olson, 96, of Valley City, ND died at the Sheyenne Care Center, under the care of CHI Mercy Health Hospice, on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. The funeral for Lila will be at Grace Free Lutheran Church, Valley City at 10:30 AM, Monday, June 5, 2017. Visitation will be held in the Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home Chapel from 5-7 PM on Sunday with a prayer service beginning at 7:00.

Lila A. Svenningsen was born June 25, 1920 in Luverne, ND, the daughter of Soren and Anna Kristine (Maarslet) Svenningsen. She grew up living near Luverne where she attended rural school. Lila was a graduate of College High in Valley City.

On June 8, 1941, she married Allan R. Olson in Luverne. They made their home and farmed near Rogers, ND. In 1947, they moved to a farm near Valley City, ND and continued farming there until retiring in 1992. At that time, they moved into Valley City. Allan died August 25, 1994.

First and foremost in Lila's life was her love of her Lord and her family. She was a member of Grace Free Lutheran Church, Rebecca Circle, and Getchell Homemakers. Lila enjoyed gardening, cooking, bowling, and a good game of pinochle.

Lila is survived by two sons: Tom (Eileen) and Marvin, both of Valley City. She also leaves her grandchildren: Richard (Tina) Olson, Susan (Tony Wendell) Wetch, Sarah (Brent) Wendell, Matthew (Melonie) Olson, Michele Olson, Melanie (Chris) Lindgren, and Melinda (Andy) Schwab; 15 great grandchildren; and a great great grandson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; children: Jerry, Marcia, and Michael; 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

Funeral arrangements for Lila are in the care of Lerud-Schuldt-Mathias Funeral Home, Valley City. An online tribute page for her can be found at lerudshuldt.com