Rush Funeral Home Logo
Logo Image
(605) 859-2400 You can call us 24/7
Newsletter Get new obituaries by email
Search Search through the obituaries

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 1:00 PM (Mountain).

Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota
A come and go viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka.



Print Obituary

In memory of

Russ Olney

of Kadoka, South Dakota, died on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at the Kadoka Nursing Home at the age of 90

Russell F. Olney was born December 17, 1929 on the family ranch near Powell, S.D. He spent his early years on the ranch, starting school in Powell. The family moved to Kadoka in August 1936 where he continued his education graduating in 1948.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy November 20, 1948 and was honorably discharged on November 19, 1949, serving in the Korean Conflict. Upon discharge he was concurrently transferred to the U.S. Naval Reserve under the designation of USNEV, Class V-6 “for a period of (6) years or until sooner discharged by competent authority.” Russ worked construction after his naval discharge.

On March 4, 1954 he was united in marriage to Viola Hedeen in Pierre, S.D. To this union was born two children, Marcy and Rusty.



Russ attended Sioux City Barber College in Sioux City, Iowa graduating in 1955. After graduation they moved briefly to Belle Fourche, S.D. then to Rapid City, S.D. where Russ began a career as a barber. They later moved to Kadoka where Russ operated "Russ' Barber Shop" which was a career that lasted over 60 years. Never ones to be idle Russ and Vi had multiple business ventures through the years including a motel, The Branch Store, a gas station/drive-in, a painting business and always had a used car or something for sale. In 1976 they began managing The Club 27. The year 1989 brought a new venture The Pizza Shed. During these years Russ also found time to drive the school bus for a number of years.



Russ was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 27. He enjoyed Monday night poker, bowling and attending all sporting events. His favorite hobby was keeping old equipment running even if it involved Duct tape and J-B Weld.



Blessed for having shared his life are his daughter, Marcy (Bart) Ramsey, Philip; his son, Rusty (Laure Hildebrand) Olney, Kadoka; his granddaughter, Cara (Brook) Parent, Ham Lake, MN; his grandson, Chad (Paulette) Ramsey, Philip; great-grandchildren, Ramsey, Peyton, Caden and Wyatt Parent, Charlee Ramsey, Jerica (Danny) Muzick, Jadyn, Jyntre, Jyrzee Coller, Audrea and Lucien Hildebrand; great-great-grandchildren; Ezekiel and Nash Muzik; a sister Diane Paulson, Rapid City; brother Richard (Bud) Olney, Kadoka; brother-in-law Andy Anderson, Watertown and numerous nieces and nephews.


Russ was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Viola; his parents, Richard (Dick) and Marie Olney; a brother, Robert (Bob) Olney; sisters-in-law, Dode Smith, Barbara Stone, Ethel Anderson, Norma Olney and Gladys Olney; brothers-in-law, Clifford Starkjohn, Gene Stone and Gordon Paulson.

A come and go viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 28, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29, at the Kadoka Cemetery with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating. Live streaming will be available for the graveside service so you can watch the service right from this webpage if you do not wish to attend in person.

A memorial has been established to the Kadoka Nursing Home. Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 503 Kadoka, SD 57543 or P.O. Box 513 Philip, SD 57567.


Open the Memorial Folder


COME AND GO VIEWING
Tuesday, April 28. 2020 - 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Rush Funeral Chapel
Kadoka, South Dakota

GRAVESIDE SERVICE
Wednesday, April 29, 2020 - 1 p.m.
Kadoka Cemetery
Kadoka, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Pastor Kathy Chesney

MUSIC
Lonny Johnston
“Forever and Ever, Amen”

PALLBEARERS
Chad Ramsey - Brook Parent - Mike Olney
Mark Carlson - Craig Coller - Sauntee Coller

  • CA ~ Phillip W. Olney Thousand Oaks Ca. (4/29/2020)
  • Rusty and Marcy - So sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with your Dad while I was up at the Care Center and he was such a fun guy. He will be greatly missed. Condolences and prayer for you and your families. ~ aletta Albuquerque (4/29/2020)
  • Wishing you peace of heart at this bittersweet time. Your dad always had a little twinkle in his eye & took such good care of those around him.The video tribute is amazing. ~ Lori Seager Philip (4/29/2020)
  • ~ Aletta Salganek Albuquerque, NM (4/29/2020)
  • Wonderful video for a wonderful man. ~ Dean and Michelle Dennis Memphis, Tennessee (4/28/2020)
  • Such a wonderful video. That last song really brought back some recent memories for us. Love and prayers. ~ Scott and Marty Bauman Long Valley SD (4/28/2020)
  • So sorry for your loss. thoughts and Prayers to the family. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, SD (4/28/2020)
  • ~ Roxy Formanek Rapid City, SD (4/28/2020)
  • Beautiful Video! He is a great man that will be missed! ~ Bridgette Neilan Waubay (4/27/2020)
  • Marcy and Rusty, I am so sorry to learn of your dad's passing. He was such a great man. He will truly be missed by all who knew him. Prayers to you as you endure the tough days ahead. ~ Ellie (Brown) Bettelyoun MARTIN (4/26/2020)
  • Thanks for serving ~ A Veteran (4/25/2020)
  • Marcy-Deepest sympathy to you and all of the family on the loss of your Dad. What good care you gave him. May God hold you close during this difficult time. ~ Larry and Julie McLaughlin Midland (4/25/2020)
  • Sorry to read this. Russ was a great guy and a good friend to me when I was in Kadoka. Prayers to all... ~ JoAnne Gauer Mesa, AZ (4/24/2020)
  • My sympathy to you Rusty and your family. ~ Priscilla Parke Sioux Falls (4/24/2020)
  • prayers at this time. Sincerely, Bev ~ Beverly Jahner Rapid City, SD (4/24/2020)
  • Marcy, Rusty, and Families: You guys are in our thoughts. Russ was one of a kind, I have many fond memories of Russ. Hold the memories close and cherish all the good times. He will be missed! ~ Roger/Angel Getz and Family Pierre, SD (4/24/2020)
  • Dear Marcy, Rusty, and families
    Your father couldn't have had better children than the two of you!
    You were both so devoted and loving and this tells me how he loved both of you during your growing up years.
    Our parents leave such an emptiness when they pass. I pray great comfort for all of you. I will always remember how his eyes would light up when talking about the grandkids.
    Love to one and all     ~ Rebecca Williams Hill City, SD (4/24/2020)