Olive Mellor, age 91, passed away September 15, 2015 at the Powder River Manor Nursing Home in Broadus, Mt.
Olive Jane Woolston was born June 15, 1924 to Tom and Christine Woolston in Philipsburg, Kansas. Olive’s mother wanted to deliver Olive in Kansas to be close to her mother, since this was her first child and she was afraid of the isolation of the ranch. When Olive was 6 weeks old, she and her mother returned to Montana and her father, Tom. Olive spent her growing up years at TL, her parents ranch on Box Elder Creek. Olive always held those times very close to her heart.
In 1942, Olive graduated from high school in Ekalaka, Mt. She began her college in Spearfish, SD that Fall. On April 10, 1943 Olive married John Mellor at the First Baptist church in Broadus, Mt. Olive continued her college while John served in the Navy during WWII. She graduated with her teaching degree, and began teaching country schools until John came home from the service. She’s saved $300.00 in the bank, had bought 2 pieces of new furniture, 50 head of sheep and had a puppy named Mack when John returned home. They lived their early married years on various ranches, working for other people, hoping to buy their own ranch. That was not to be, even though that was where both their hearts were. In 1956, John and Olive moved to Broadus. John drove truck for AJ Bone, while Olive continued teaching until she bought the Cashway Truck Stop restaurant. In 1961 they bought the IGA grocery store, enjoying a nice business until they retired and sold the store in 1988. In 1985 Olive was named Grocer woman of the Year for the state of Montana. Olive helped many people in their time of need and gave to her community often.
Olive loved music and playing her piano in her younger years. Her grandchildren will remember with a smile how a simple conversation would remind her of a song, and she would start singing it to them. Olive was a member of the Eastern Star, holding many offices through the years. Some of her other joys included, cooking and collecting recipes, reading, crossword puzzles, playing cards, game shows on TV and traveling. But, her greatest joy was her family. She was fiercely loyal, generous and loving. Always thinking of everyone before herself. Her faith in God sustained her til the end. Known for being a fierce “Prayer Warrior”.
Olive was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Stacy and a son, Jay.
Survivors include her husband, John, daughter, Carol (Randy) Hanrahan, son, David (Debbie) Mellor, daughter-in-law, Judy, brother, Larry (Marilyn) Woolston, sister-in-laws, Alice Woolston, Jesse Malcom, Esther Boyles, 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on October 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Faith Bible Church in Broadus, MT. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com. Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home of Broadus is assisting the family in these arrangements.
Service Schedule
Interment
following memorial service
Tuesday October 6, 2015
Valleyview cemetery
Broadus, MT
Share
Charlie & Shirley Russell says
Our condolences to John and family. Olive always the greatest! Loved her wit and steady as she goes. May she rest contented now with Jay by her side
Pat Smith says
John and family so sorry for your loss of Olive. She was such a sweet and loving person and will be missed by many.
Ed and Bev Schaffer says
Carol, John, and family, love and hugs to you! Olive was such a kind, sweet lady, she will be missed. May God give you comfort and peace in the following days and weeks. God Bless!
karen Gunther says
I am so sorry for your loss, Olive was always such a sweet person. May God give all of you comforts in the peace that you know she is in heaven now, feeling no more pain. prayers for you Carol and your family/
Wayne & Anita Wetherelt says
So sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed visiting with her, she will be missed. All the memories of that bowling team & fun we had. Our prayers & thoughts for all of you.
Vanna Lancaster Byrd says
Olive couldn’t have made the work at the IGA any more fun. I will always remember her loving smile and sweet caring nature. I can’t drive past the store without thinking of Olive and how much she will be missed. Rest in Peace dear lady.
Johana Brost Wills says
Thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family. I have the best memories ever of John and Olive during my high school years. Always saw them at all my singing events and supporting all the kids! I know she is smiling in heaven!
Ella Mae and Allen Drane. says
So sorry,John,Carol,David and families,she was a sweetheart and will surely be missed.
Ella Williams Voise says
I am so glad I got to visit with Olive a couple of times this past couple of years and to get reacquainted with John at the Italian dinners. Love reconnecting with people from my younger years. May her family find solace in all the good memories and community and friends support.
Elsa, Francis Hayes says
Sorry for your loss . You had her for a long time and have lots of very good memory’s.
Skin and Betty Collins says
So sorry for your loss of your wife, mother, grandmother and friend to so many people. I always missed her at the. IGA when she wasn’t there. May she rest in peace now in the arms of our savior. Olive will be missed.
Sharon and Lester Clements says
So sorry to hear of Olives passing. Our love and prayers are with John and all the family.
Bonnie Bogner Sprague says
Sending my condolences to you Carol and your whole family in the great loss of both of your parents! They were both so involved in the community. May the angels fly with them now in their journey in the spirit world.
ArLynn and Walter Archer says
Our community has lost a couple of special people. I have two sons (Collin and Quinn) that enjoyed working for both of them at the IGA. May they both rest in peace.
Jason Hanrahan says
I will forever remember you grandma and will always think of you fondly. May you forever be at peace and may you look over all of us. I love you grandma.
Rhonda Traub says
So very sorry for your loss to all the family. Olive was a very sweet lady, she and John will be dearly missed! Blessing & Prayers.
Jim & Faye Wagner says
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.