Joy Olson

Joy Olson, 96, of Great Falls, passed away Oct. 5, 2019.

A funeral service will be held Nov. 15, 2019, at 1 p.m., with visitation occurring an hour prior, at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby. The burial will follow at Libby Cemetery.

Joy was born to Robert and Elsie Witcombe on July 19, 1923, in Langham, Essex, England. She attended nursing school in London during World War II. She met the love of her life, Edwin M. Olson, at her 21st birthday party in Langham. Ed was stationed at Boxstead Army Air Corp Base, near Joy’s home. They were married April 7, 1945, just prior to Victory in Europe Day. Their first child, Carol was born in England. After the war, the family moved to Libby, where they raised six children. They were married for more than 50 years. Ed preceded Joy in death in 1998.

Joy worked for 40 years at St John’s Lutheran Hospital. She was 75 when she retired. She picked up two hobbies later in life. She enjoyed oil painting and crocheting. She was prolific in the production of afghans for friends and family. She was active in Christ Lutheran Church until she moved to Great Falls in 2007, where she attended New City Church.

She lived with her daughter, Carol, until 2014. Later that year she moved to the Grandview at Benefis, where she lived until her death. Members of the Grandview staff were wonderful caretakers and “family” to our mother. Joy’s family very much appreciates the love and respect the staff showed her over the five years she was a resident.

Joy is survived by her children, Carol A. Rains (David) of Great Falls, Richard A. Olson (Linny) of Missoula, Cheryl L. Nelson (Dean) of Great Falls, Debra K. Setness (Ronald) of Park River, N.D., Robert G. Olson (Connie) of Cut Bank, and James C. Olson (Mary) of Kalispell; 18 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews still in England.

She enjoyed playing cards. She played a mean game of pinochle and taught many of her grandchildren to play cribbage. Joy epitomized her name. Many who knew her were blessed by her kindness, and caring disposition. We will miss our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, but she is happy to be with Jesus, adorned in her heavenly body.

Memorials in Joy’s name may be made to Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St. S. Great Falls, MT 59405.

Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.schniderfuneralhome.com.