Olga Etheridge

Olga Etheridge, R.N., age 91 of Dublin, passed away on August 17, 2019 after an extended illness. Originally from Rocky Ford, Georgia, Mrs. Etheridge graduated from St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in 1949 and moved to Dublin to join the staff of the newly opened veteran’s hospital. She served our nation’s veterans for 47 years, 4 months, and 11 days -- always quoting that exact number to anyone who asked, as she was proud of every single day. She went on to earn an M.S. in Nursing from the Medical College of Georgia in 1976, and she also taught classes locally. At the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, she researched, equipped, and opened the VA’s cardiac-care unit and served in roles ranging from clinical nurse specialist to quality assurance coordinator, retiring as associate chief of nursing service in acute care.

In her free time, Mrs. Etheridge was known as an extraordinary baker. Her cakes were highly desired in Dublin for decades, often requested by organizations doing bake sales and cake walks. Generous to the core, she could be relied upon to visit and deliver food to sick friends, and all who came to her home were coaxed to sit down for at least a snack. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church since her arrival in Dublin, and she cherished her friends there and at the VA.

She was married for 65 years to the late Marvin F. Etheridge. She was also predeceased by her parents, Petar & Annie Ozbolt of Rocky Ford; brothers, Edward Ozbolt and Matt Ozbolt; and sisters, Frances Ozbolt, Molly Ozbolt, and Louise Mobley. Surviving Mrs. Etheridge are her treasured daughter and son-in-law, Karen & Keith Beaty of Blairsville, GA; beloved younger sister, Carol Thigpen of Dublin; local nieces and nephews who assisted in her daily care and who were like children -- Buddy & Tammy Thigpen of East Dublin, Jessica Hasty of Dublin, and Pat Thigpen of Dublin; and numerous other nieces and nephews, each and every one exceedingly special to her, too numerous to list. Mrs. Etheridge was a resident of Twelve Oaks Senior Living in recent years and was appreciative of their kind and professional care.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at the Catholic church on Friday, August 23, 2019 at 10 a.m., with burial to follow at Dublin Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are being handled by Townsend Brothers Funeral Home. Donations, if preferred to flowers, may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, (specified to the Capital Campaign for the Parish Center), 1559 Hwy 441 North, Dublin, GA 31021.

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