Olive Esther Smith, dearly beloved sister, aunt, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026 at University Hospital in Madison. Olive was born on March 6th, 1947 in Rhinelander, WI., the 4th child of David and Olive Ross.
Olive is survived by her son Wayne Garrow Jr. and granddaughter Alexandria Garrow. Her brother John Ross, her sisters Ethel Craig, Victoria (Howard) Kalkofen and Donna (Thomas) Zimmerman. Along with many nieces and nephews and great-nieces.
Olive was preceded in death by her parents, her infant son William Smith, her sister Nancy Squires and her step-son Daniel Resch.
Olive graduated from Rhinelander Union High School in 1965. Soon after graduation she moved to Washington DC and worked for the FBI. Olive later returned home to Rhinelander and worked at 1st National Bank and then as a telephone operator for AT&T. In 1968 Olive married Wayne Garrow, they had a son in 1972, Wayne Garrow Jr. After they divorced, Olive attended Nicolet College, earning an Associate in Accounting Degree. She was a wiz with numbers and letters, including IRS tax returns (having a VITA tax certificate) and playing Scrabble. Upon graduation Olive worked for Teshendorf & Schrock and was also the Treasurer for Hodag Sports Club. She purchased a home. Olive later ran a very successful business for close to 30 years.
Olive had a great faith and was a devoted member of Saint Augustine Episcopal Church. She was very active in her church, filling many roles; treasurer, President of the ECW and a reader at church services.
Ollie enjoyed her Ross family traditions; birthdays, holidays and sister days. She had beautiful gardens, flowers were her love, and knew the names of plants and flowers. Especially delighting in rare fruits and flowers. Ollie was beloved by her family and friends. Ever kind, caring, accepting, a bit stubborn, and possessed of a wonderful sense of humor.
We will forever miss our Ollie, who had such courage, faith and hope. Suffering greatly, while attempting to recover and live from a very difficult and extended hospital stay. The love and devotion of her niece and nephew, Kerry and Mike, her niece Laura, and her great-niece Sarah, gave Ollie great comfort during her hospital stay. She and her family were also grateful for the care and kindness of the nursing staff and chaplains of B4/3 shown to Olive. Most especially we thank Father Hal, the Episcopal chaplain at UW Madison hospital. He supported, visited and prayed with Ollie and her family innumerable times.
An obituary with services times will follow shortly. You may leave your private condolences for Olive's family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving Olive's family.
