Grace Bensel Henderson Olsen

Grace Bensel Henderson Olsen, age 88, of La Grande, died Sunday, January 9th after a short hospital stay. She was born June 16, 1922 to William Henry and Lillie Anna (Beasley) Bensel in Hermiston. She was raised on a farm in Hermiston with four brothers, John, Bob, Frank and Jim and one sister, Louise.

Grace married Grant Henderson on January 31, 1942. They adopted two children, Durinda Fries of Kennewick, Washington and Lynn Henderson of La Grande. They later divorced. She married Bernard "Barney" Olsen on March 26, 1976. They lived on Cabbage Hill until moving to La Grande where they became active in the Union County Historical Society and other community activities. Grace counted Barney's children as her own. Bonnie Marie (Lyle) Roberts of La Grande, Ronald (Joyce) Olsen of Elgin and Terri (Tom) Lapp of Pendleton. Barney passed away in May of 2010.

Grace was named 1965 Union County Woman of the Year. She was a life member of Jewel Rebekah Lodge No. 96 of Summerville and a lifetime member of Betz Sigma Phi Sorority. For many years she wrote articles for the La Grande Observer.

Remembrances may be made to Union County Historical Society or the charity of your choice in care of Daniels~Knopp, 1502 7tn Street in La Grande. There will be no formal services per her request.

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