Lesley Meredith Whitesides Olson's Obituary
Lesley Meredith Whitesides Olson, age 91, of Grand Haven passed away Sunday, November 19, 2017, at Grand Pines Assisted Living Center. She was born August 3, 1926, in Ludington to Alfred Lester and Svava Annette (Olsen) Echlin, and she married Robert G. Whitesides on June 1, 1947, in Ionia. Following Robert’s death on March 27, 2003, Lesley married Ralph Dudley Olson on October 19, 2007, and he preceded her in death on April 22, 2016.
Lesley was a 65-year member of the United Methodist Church of the Dunes, where she sang in the choir. She was member of the Tuesday Musicale, and in her younger years was active in the Jaycees. Her other interests were flower gardening, golfing, and rose maul painting.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Laura (Brad) Host of Birmingham, MI; her son, Thomas Whitesides of Ionia; four grandchildren: Meredith Host, Taylor Host, Joshua Bishop, Caleb Bishop; two brothers, Paul (Janette) Echlin of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Larry (Fay) Echlin of Star City, Arkansas; and son-in-law, Dennis Bishop. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Ann Bishop.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 2, 2017, at the United Methodist Church of the Dunes with Rev. Eldon Eldred and Rev. Lou Grettenberger officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions to the United Methodist Church of the Dunes Music Department or Hospice of North Ottawa Community are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Lesley?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lesley?
Share a story where Lesley's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lesley you’ll never forget.
How did Lesley make you smile?

