Elizabeth “Betty” Margaret Olson

Elizabeth (Betty) M. Olson, 92, passed away September 13, 2011.

She was born December 18, 1918 in Arnegard, North Dakota to Henry and Margaret Olson. She grew up on a farm in Rawson, North Dakota and went to Minot College where she met her husband Eugene (Gene) Olson. They married while he was in the Navy and they spent 62 wonderful years together.

She and Gene moved to Bozeman, Montana after he left the Navy. He became a car salesman, and Betty became a teacher and taught Special Education. When they retired they moved to Goose Bay Marina on Canyon Ferry Lake in Townsend, MT. They also became snowbirds going to AZ during the winter months for a few years. Betty and Gene then moved into Helena, but continued to travel.

Betty loved everyone and you could not get by her without a hug. She was active in Church and was part of the Methodist Woman’s group at Covenant United Methodist Church in Helena. She also belonged to the Red Hats.

After her husband passed away, she moved to Hunters Pointe until dementia took its toll. She then moved to Sharon’s Sunshine Care where she was well loved and cared for, still giving great hugs to everyone.

She is survived by her sister Violet Young in Massachusetts, Son Bruce Olson in Bozeman Montana, Granddaughter Sarah Monroe in Texas, a niece Bonnie Norris in Great Falls, Montana and numerous other nieces and nephews around the country.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Gene Olson in 2004, her daughter Janice Olson in 2007 and a son Jerry at age 3.

We welcome all her friends and anyone she hugged to her Memorial Service at Covenant United Methodist Church on Tuesday Sept 20th at 12:00. Interment will follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. There will be a reception at the church for those who wish to share their memories following graveside services. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Betty, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.