The marriage and partnership of former Akronites Ruth and Irving Olson lasted 71 years.It’s difficult for those close to them to think of one without the other. However, they will be forced to now with the death of Mrs. Olson on Friday in Tucson, Ariz., at age 91. While their hearts remained in Akron, the jet-setting Olsons moved a few years ago to Tucson to escape Akron’s winters. “The Olsons were such an important part of Akron’s business, social and philanthropic communities,” longtime Akron socialite Mary Ann Jackson said. “Ruth’s delight and her ability to give fabulous parties in their home was legendary, as was her cooking, and most especially her baking.”Jan Parry, a longtime Akron neighbor of the Olsons, now of Naples, agreed.“Her dinner parties were legendary, with the tables decorated to the utmost with beautiful china, silverware and flowers,” Parry said. After they sold Olson Electronics in 1964 and he retired, the two devoted themselves to photography, travel and community projects.The Olsons were formally recognized for their contributions to the local arts in 1994 with Ohio Ballet’s BRAVO! Award. In 2001, they donated nearly 200 photos taken on their many trips to a permanent gallery at Summa Akron City Hospital.Mrs. Olson was vice president of the Ohio Ballet, founding president of Akron ORT, president of Akron Hadassah, and president of Temple Israel Sisterhood.The Olsons have two children, a son, Stephen of San Francisco, and a daughter, Carolyn Stelman of Salem, Mass.; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.