Clodell Mallard Olsen

Clodell Mallard Olsen, 90 of Abilene, passed away at a local nursing facility on Monday, May 23, 2016. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 27, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street.

"Dell" was born on April 11, 1926 in Eastland, Texas to Walter Mallard and Evie Mallard. She was the twelfth child of a family of 14 children. She spent her earlier years in Guymon, Oklahoma where she attended school. She later married James Olsen in Durant, Oklahoma. They had four children. They built one of the first fast food drive-ins, K-N Root Beer, in Abilene, where they lived for 35 years. Dell taught Bible classes for 35 years and always loved to teach children. She was a wonderful artist. Whether painting on canvas with oil paints or drawing on her sketch pad, Dell loved to create works of art for all to enjoy. She and James moved to Georgetown, Texas 17 years ago to be near the two small grandchildren.

Dell was preceded in death by her husband, James Olsen, one son, Ernie Shelton and her parents and 13 siblings. She is survived by three daughters; Donna Merryman and husband David of Abilene; Jean Aston and husband John Mark of Flagstaff, Arizona and Kathy Olsen of Round Rock, Texas. She also leaves 4 grand children and 4 great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.