Violet “Peg” Cosby-Olson, age 103, of Wessington Springs, died Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Weskota Manor. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2025, at Foothills Bible Fellowship Church in Wessington Springs. Burial followed at Prospect Hill Cemetery. Violet “Peg” Pagel Cosby Olson was born December 9, 1921, in Jerauld County, to Cleo (Tempest) Crane Pagel and Charles Pagel. The farm was her home for nearly 20 years. Her siblings were Doris, Wilbur, Merle, Dale and Donald.
She married Robert (Bob) Cosby in 1941. When World War II started in 1942, they moved to the Bay Area in California and Bob worked in the shipyards. Their home in Richmond during the war was a defense building built by the government for shipyard workers.
They moved back to South Dakota after the war in 1946 and she lived in Wessington Springs until her death.
Throughout the years she worked at Gambles, Habicht & Habicht, A&D Drug, Dr. Rosco Dean’s Clinic and Weskota Manor. She enjoyed the membership of the UCC church, where she was involved with Sing-Sew Extension Club, Eastern Star, VFW Auxiliary, and in later years quilting class, Red Hats and the Parish.
Bob passed away in 1992 and she was a widow until she married Raymond Olson in 2001. They camped, danced and had fun together until Ray died from West Nile in 2006.
She buried her only son Ron in April 2022. She leaves behind four grandchildren Dana Paul (Linda), Jason Robert, Stephanie Marie (Adam) and Tara Beth; nine great grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.
She lived a full life being a crafter, traveling and loving her family.
