Margaret Arlene Running

Margaret Arlene Running passed away peacefully at home on January 24, 2025 with her husband Arley at her side. Arlene was born in Thief River Falls, MN on May 19, 1943 to John O. and Agnes H. Olson. She grew up in Thief River Falls and Glenwood, MN until she was a sophomore in High School. The family then moved to Harvey, ND where she met Arley. Arlene attended St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Minot, ND and became a Registered Nurse. Arley and Arlene were married on July 3, 1965 and farmed in the Harvey area. They had two sons, Kyle and Brett.

Arlene was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1993. Not knowing how the disease would progress, they retired early and decided to travel and explore the country. Arlene loved arts and crafts and spent many hours painting, beading, crocheting, and teaching others to bead and crochet. They found many friends along the way through their recreational vehicle lifestyle. At every stop, Arlene’s kind spirit and warm hospitality earned new friends and hosted old ones!

In 2002, Arley and Arlene started spending winters in Yuma, AZ. They purchased a home in KOFA KO-OP RV Park and became snowbirds, traveling in summer months and returning to Yuma in the winter. They continued traveling the country in summers until 2019. Arley and Arlene’s KOFA family was indispensable as her care needs grew. Arlene greatly appreciated all the kind visits, goodies, chocolates, conversations, and laughs with friends that stopped by often as it became more difficult for her to leave the house.

Arlene is survived by her husband, Arley, children Kyle and Brett, and siblings James Olson (Carole), Robert Olson (Darlene), and Carol Rust (Terry), nephews, nieces, and their children. Passing before her were her parents, John O. and Agnes H. Olson, brother Gerald Olson, sister-in-law Carole Olson, niece Krista Rust, nephew Chad Olson, and half-siblings and spouses Oliver Olson, Olga Amundson-Amiot (Donald and Dewey), Owen Olson, Julette Berglund (Arvid), Richard Olson (Lillian), Raymond Olson (Hazel), Donald Olson (Ruth), and Yvonne Welk (Reuben). Interment will be in the spring at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND.