Our fun-loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend Katherine “Katie” Olson passed away October 22, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. She was 99 years old.
Katie was born September 9, 1921 in Billings, Montana to Friedrich Julius Roth and Katharina Wacker Roth. She was the sixth of twelve children. Her family moved to a farm near Sanders (east of Hysham) when she was in elementary school. Katie graduated from Hysham High School in 1941. It was during her high school years that she met the love of her life, John Olson.
Katie and John were married May 16, 1944 in Bozeman while John was on leave from the army during WWII. After a two week “honeymoon”, John rejoined his battalion and later headed overseas. Upon returning to the states in January 1946, Katie and John made their home in Hysham where they farmed and ranched their entire lives. They were blessed with 71 years of marriage and five children, David, Debby, Diane, Susan and Johnny. Mom and Dad instilled in us a good work ethic and love for family, community, and faith. We were their pride and joy and we couldn’t have asked for better parents.
Katie was small in stature, but as strong as they come. Her sense of humor, love of family and friends, and joy of life touched everyone who knew her. Katie loved being around people and people loved being around her. She was beautiful, kind, loving, hard-working, and FUN! It had been said that she could milk two cows, butcher 25 chickens, and have a great meal on the table by noon. Mom was a great cook and if someone showed up at the door at dinnertime, she could turn a meal for seven into a feast for twelve. She was famous for her homemade noodles and delicious pies. Mom prided herself (and had the pleasure of) being able to fix breakfast for David for over 70 years!
Never wanting to slow down, she was always looking forward to organizing the next social event – a night out dancing, a card party, a community cleanup day, a Women’s Club style show, Sunday dinner, or just “happy hour” at her house. She was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and a long-time member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Treasurebelles, Hysham Woman’s Club, Red Hatters, Wine and Roses Bridge Club, and Treasure County Senior Citizens.
Mom’s faith in God, family, and friends were the most important things in her life. She had an amazing support group that allowed her to continue to live by herself in Hysham. Thanks to Rosemary and Mom’s great friend Doris Manning, there was always a game of pinochle or Skip-Bo scheduled in the afternoon and, of course, “happy hour” at 4:30! Over the past 99 years, Mom touched many lives and always brought out the best in everyone. She was our treasure of Treasure County and so easy to love. Her life was truly filled with laughter, love and happiness.
Katie is survived by her children David (Rosemary) Olson of Hysham, Debby (Jim) Boyle of Missoula, Diane (Jerry) Peach of McLeod, Susan (Joe) Rhodes of Billings, 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, her brother, Bill (Toni) Roth of Beaverton, Oregon, her sister-in-law, Joanne Olson of Bozeman, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband John, and son, Johnny.
As we were recently told, “we’re meant to lose the people we love. How else would we know how important they are to us?” Mom, your memory will continue to live on in our hearts and our souls. As you leave this earthly realm destined for a far greater reward you remain very much a part of us. We love you.
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph’s PCCW, c/o Rosemary Olson, PO Box 42, Hysham, MT 59038 or the charity of your choice.
Private funeral services will be planned for a later date. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth are in charge of arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, please visit their website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Bob Keele says
David, Rosemary, DJ, and family,
Our heartfelt sympathies for you and your families in this time. Katie was a lady among ladies and I appreciated her strong personality and her love of this community. She will indeed be missed.
Pastor Bob, Dee, and family.
Colette Pedder Butcher says
So sorry to hear of your family’s loss. What a wonderful long life she lived. She was a treasure to all that had the pleasure of knowing her. She was instrumental in so many activities in Treasure County. She will be missed. Cherish all your wonderful memories. What a special lady she was!!
Coleen Lind says
Such a fitting tribute to a wonderful lady. Katie will be missed and her memory treasured by all who knew her. Our love and condolences, Ken and Coleen (Hert) Lind
John Miller says
Dear wonderful Olson family,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your Katie. What a terrific woman she was in so many ways. I will always feel gratitude for having known her, John, and Johnny. They all were a role model for how to live one’s life meaning good work ethic, love others, and maintaining family is of utmost importance.
Sincerely,
John and Debbie Miller
Janice Jones Watson says
I am so sorry for your loss. Katie was such a wonderful lady. She will surely be missed
Noelle Pinkerton says
Katie lived well her hours on earth, sought with care the “things” of worth, so when her final curtain was drawn,
God could say “Well Done!–Well Done”!
The Pinkerton’s
Nancy Icopini says
This was beautifully written and truly captured all that we loved about Katie. My love and condolences to your entire family. She will be so missed!
Carol Drury says
So sorry for your loss! Katie always made you feel special when you were around her. It was a wonderful write up concerning her. It was on point
Lynn Tompkins says
What a great lady. Always a smile that made everyone feel special. So sorry for your loss.
Doran and Sandy Hewitt says
To the family of Katie Olson. We are so very sorry for your loss. So happy to have known Katie. She was so full of life. She made everyone she met feel so important to her. She will truly be missed. May you Rest In Peace dear Katie.
Sincerely, Doran and Sandy Hewitt
Larry & Vicky Fink says
To Katie’s family. Our deepest sympathy for your loss. Katie was one of a kind…always glad to see you, always glad to feed you, and always glad to beat you at cards! Our community won’t be the same without her. Take care.
Kathy Anderson says
David and Rosemary, Jane and Steve: We are so sorry about this loss. Katie was a wonderfully fun woman. We enjoyed every moment we had with her over the years. My mom Anne and I send you our love with hugs. We are blessed to know you all. Kathy and Anne Anderson
Karen Sable (Kimball) says
Katie truly was a “treasure”; never a dull moment when visiting with her. God has received a special soul for sure!
Ron Rommel says
Please accept our condolences for Aunt Katie.
Aunt Katie was greatly loved by so many.
Her laughter was contagious to all who frequented a visit.
She nurtured her life surrounded by family & friends.
Both Liz & I were planning a visit on her 100th.
Yet, she was called to Heaven early at age 99.
We called her on her 99 Birthday & sent a bouquet.
We chatted over the phone & expressed our Love.
God Bless Aunt Katie & God Bless Her Spirit!!
With Much Love,
Ron & Liz Rommel (Nephew & Niece)
Margie & Larry Tritschler says
To the entire Olson family – – Katie was such a Hysham fixture and will be sorely missed by many people on many levels. You will all miss her daily for many months to come. Do treasure your memories – – her bar is set very high for all to live up to for generations to come. Prayers and blessings from our family to yours,
Myles & Judi VanHemelryck says
The best neighbors for 54 years (John Olson family) we were truly blessed. Katie always was there to make sure you were doing things correctly. If not, she would let you know. Katie was always the first to welcome new-comers into Treasure Co. by taking goodies over to make them feel welcome. A person truly missed by all.
Robyn says
To Katie’s family,
What a well written tribute to a very special lady who blessed us in so many ways, whenever we were around her! So many good times, with lots of laughs, and memories through the years. Prayers and hugs for her family!
Frank and Lawanda Mouat says
She was such a special lady!! Always had a smile and a hug! Thanks for the wonderful tribute!!
sharon cope says
Prayers and Blessings to the Olson Families. Katie was a remarkable woman!
Rachel (Plympton) Valentine says
I so loved Grandma Katie. I loved the way she would swat my arm when I’d tease her about being hard headed or hard of seeing. I loved watching her dance and the joy she got from it. I loved eating meals in her home and spending time with her. I loved loving her. I just know she is dancing circles around St Peter.
Patrick Nelson says
Condolences from the Nelsons. Such a great person and a Matriarch if this community. I will look back fondly on the times I got the privilege of being in Grandma Katie’s kitchen or on her deck with a cold drink.
Audrey H says
What a shining example of the best kind of person you could ever want to meet…30 years ago I was blessed to be introduced to Katie and she was and always will be one of a kind….the most loving, compassionate, caring and kind friend who always made me smile…she will be missed by so many of us and her legacy lives on through her wonderful family and friends who will tell “Katie” stories forever….I am sure she is dancing with John in heaven now….xo .
Gary and Bernadette says
Prayers love and Hugs sent your way!
Odetta Howrey says
Well I can say for certain, we will never be blessed with another Katie, she was one of a kind. Always a smile or usually laughing, and oh she was so much fun when we all gathered at the Sanders Hall for dances. Her in her high heels, and the rest in our comfortable shoes, she would dance the night away. I always felt she was younger than she was, as she could keep up with anyone. I will always remember all the Olson family, the many brandings and other times, playing bridge with Katie, she just was a very special lady. She will be missed..
Bart and Amber Icopini says
She was truly the best, and I don’t know of a person in this county who won’t miss her or didn’t grow from being near her. We are truly sorry for your loss and grateful for Katie’s life.
Carol Jean Taylor Corcoran says
So many fond memories of Katie. We were so happy to enjoy her company at a Van Hemelryk wedding a year ago this summer. She was the life of the party….always.❤️
Jack and Kirsten Crocker says
So many fond memories of Katie growing up in Hysham. She always a joy to be around. Prayers from the deepest of our hearts.
Jack & Kirsten Crocker and family
Jeanie Belgarde
Forest Plympton says
I’m gonna miss the many encouraging lectures and quick smiles that followed! And breakfast! You will never be forgotten sweet lady!
Alane Stabler says
I was saddened to hear of Katie passing away.
She was always a delight to be with. She always had a twinkle in her eye and was never at a loss for words. She always treated every kid as her own. She was a true Treasure that will be missed.
The write up was a truly great tribute to her and her family.
May the fond memories of “Katie” never fade .
Hilaree Emmons says
My condolences to you all – an amazing lady that will be missed by many. Wishing you all peace and comfort during this difficult time 💜
Dan and Susan Story says
Our condolences to the Olsen family. Katie was an icon and we all miss her. Her vitality and love of life was an excellent example for all of us. I am sure she left you all with so many memories. She led a long and spirited life and I am glad to have had the opportunity to know her. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Peggy Gardiner says
To Katie’s Family,
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing, we always enjoyed our conversations with Katie and John. Their love of the land and of their family was clear, and they lived full and happy lives. We have good memories of the times we spent with them.
Peggy and Steve Gardiner
Jenny & Neil Strother says
Katy proved to us all, that life could be fun, work could be satisfying, and family, friends and faith were most important. All of us who knew her will continue to have a warm, delightfed spot in our hearts being blessed by her presence during a 99 year whirl of a life. Our love to our Hysham cousins as you remember her wonderful life. Jenny Olson Strother
Lane Larson says
I, like many others lost a wonderful influence in my life. My condolences to all the family. We lost a great one there.
Keith and Debby Beartusk says
Our condolences to your family. We hope your memories are a comfort to you in the days ahead.
Arne & Vikki Mysse says
To Katie’s family – Katie was a special lady, full of energy and positive thoughts. We were fortunate she was a loyal client and special friend. She always mentioned how proud she was of her family. The contributions she made to Treasure County were greatly appreciated. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lynn Wilkins says
My dear friends,
Katy was a force of nature. She was my first neighbor at Hysham and welcomed me into the community in a whirl of meetings, clubs and of course Church. Hysham was my first move away from my home town and having Katy take me under her wing was a true blessing. I always smile when I think of Katy and one of my favorite memories is helping her take lunch up north where the men were gathering cattle. She would put out a spread of food in the middle of a pasture and laugh and tease like it was a party.
My dear Olson friends, while I am so very sorry for your loss as we all want our loved ones with us, I don’t think that Katy will ever be far from your memories and hearts. Blessed be my friends.
Vivian Beam says
Dear Olson Family,
Reading all of these wonderful tributes makes me smile to think of Katie and the way she lived her life. One of the things she would tell me every once in awhile was that your friends are so important. She would say it firmly but gently, in a way that told me she was looking out for my best interests. And by golly….she was right! Look at all of the many people she made happy by being their friend, including me. I will miss her so much! My heart goes out to you – Katie’s friends and family. Love, Vivian Smith Beam
Barbara Kiernan says
Oh Katie we already miss you so much!
Always in my thoughts,
Barbara Bauer Kiernan
Bill roth says
Katie,my beautiful sister, sang my song of joy and happiness. I loved being with her and near her. Her love surrounded me with strength and comfort. Through all her life, the love for family shouted out the sunshine in her life. It reminds me of a saying that said; love in indestructible. It’s holy flame for ever Burneth. From heaven it came. To heaven it returneth. Katie was not only my life’s inspiration but also those who knew her. Katie is not with us today but her memories will last a lifetime. I am thankful Katie and all the Olson clan have been a part of my life and it will be forever cherished. I will truly miss my sister, Katie
curt roth says
My condolences to the Olson Family. Aunt Katie was a wonderful woman.
Ellen Bauer Miller says
Dearest Katie, I will miss you everyday and our wonderful frequent calls which I will cherish forever. I always called you my second Mother because you have always been there for me.
Thank you my dearest Friend for loving me. God Bless you and God’s. speed!!! now you are with John and Johnny and my Mom & Dad.
Ellen Bauer Miller
Julie (Van Hemelryck) Susemihl says
“Why am I still here?!?” Katie kept asking, “What is my purpose?” I told her it was so I could see her and hug her again. That was Oct 16. I feel so blessed to not only have seen her and hugged her that one last time, but to have known her my whole life – she was thee most generous person I have ever met. How lucky the Van Hemelryck’s were to have the Olson’s as our neighbors down the lane (now Van Olson Road)! I look forward to the day(s) – hopefully in the near future – when we can sit around with drink in hand and tell ‘Katie stories’. I know they will bring a smile to our faces. I imagine that Katie is in heaven enjoying the company of all those who have gone before us…probably organizing a party with lots of dancing!! Thoughts, prayers and hugs to all of you.
Louise Fenner says
We’re so sorry about the loss of Katie. She came to Washington, DC, some years ago and we had a great time with her. She had so much energy! I’m certain that my husband David (Minckler) developed a crush on her. And of course Katie was a great friend of my mother Leona, and Mary Lou Kimball. I’m sure the three of them are now cooking up some mischief together in Heaven.
Annie Bauer says
So many fond memories of beautiful Katie and family, she truly was the treasure of Treasure County. Kevin says , “ There was never a time I stopped by the house that she didn’t give me a big hug ,make me smile and want to feed me” What a legacy of strength, character and love she and John have left behind. Prayers and love , Kevin and Annie Bauer and family
Rick & Karen Mouat says
Dear Olson Family, Rick and I were so sorry to hear about Katie. We have so many fond memories of her. It was always a joy to see her and visit with her, she always treated us just like part of the family, and yet she did that with so many. What a beautiful tribute to her and she will be missed by many. You have all been in our thoughts and prayers.