Memorial Day has a new meaning to me.

We went and visited Mom's grave on Memorial Day.  The headstone was in, and it looked so beautiful!  It was nice to be gathered together with a bunch of the family and Mom.  Definitely a first of a new tradition.  We all miss her so much!!!  

Missing You

November 18. 2013

Our brief period called "Mortality"

I stumbled across this video today on Facebook and it really touched me given the recent circumstances of Mom passing.  What a great reminder of how much our Heavenly Father loves us and that he has a plan for each of us.  Even though this life seems long, it is only a tiny portion of our lives in the eternities.  I'm so grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and for my testimony that, although sad and hard for us here on earth,  Mom is where she is supposed to be at this time.  

I look forward to the day that I will see and live with her again.  

A look back...

Kristin found the cutest picture of Mom and the kids from an article in the newspaper in 1979.  

We were all commenting how beautiful and put together she looks for having 5 kids under 5.  I would be stressing out with all those little hands on the milk jugs!  What a great example of Motherhood and patience!  

The Oregon Coast September 2012

My last adventure at the Oregon Coast with my sweet Mom last year in September.  I'm so thankful for all the time I had to spend with her... I just wish it was a little longer

Thank you so much for these sweet memories Joyce!

It looks beautiful, but the water is freezing!

Looking for seals

I LOVE this one of Mom and Sam :)

Finding colorful starfish on the rocks

My mom, always helping!!

Alan Jackson - Sissy's Song

I can just hear Mom saying, "Don't worry 'bout me."

October 12, 2013... A day to Remember

It has been a long time since we've all been together in the same place.  Wishin' David was there too!

Mom's casket is beautiful!

Her sweet and beautiful sisters

Most of the clan

If any of you have any pictures from Lola's Celebration of Life please email them to me.  I would love to have a copy of them, thank you! 

moheap@hotmail.com

Most of the siblings and spouses.  (We miss you Ron & Marina)  Good lookin group :)

Together forever, never apart. 

Maybe in distance, but never in heart!

My sweet mama last year around this time.  I sure love ya Mom

Gramma and the grandkids

Remembering Lola

       Lola Jane Olson, 62, of Bozeman passed away Thursday evening, October 3^rd with her family gathered around her.  She was born March 29, 1951 in Rupert, Idaho to Mirl and Ada Whitaker and grew up on her family farm.  She attended Minidoka County High School and graduated in 1969.  She received an Associate’s degree from Ricks College in 1971 and took two years of Elementary Education from Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho.  In 1972, she married the love of her life, Jerry Olson, in the LDS Idaho Falls Temple for time and all eternity.

       Lola worked as a JC Penney shoe clerk in Pocatello until Jerry got a job in 1975 at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle as the Circulation Manager.   She started as a motor route driver for the Chronicle in 1976 and delivered the same route for 37 years until her death.  Lola also considered being a mother her full time job and she and Jerry raised seven children during this time. 

       She is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and has served multiple times in several areas of the church including the Relief Society, Young Women’s, the Primary, and most recently in the nursery where she was surrounded by children, one of her greatest loves.  She was the advancement chairman for Troop 673 and was involved in over 30 Eagle scout awards.   She also served with her husband for three years as a facilitator for the Addiction Recovery Program in the church. 

       Lola is survived by her husband, Jerry Olson; three brothers, Morris (Marge) Whitaker of St. George, UT, Ron (Marina) Whitaker of Las Vegas, NV, and Barry Whitaker of Cedar City, UT and her three sisters, Deanna Cole of Almo, ID, Claire (Art) Olson of Portland, OR, and Joyce (Roger) Stroud of Herriman, UT; her children Brandon (Peggy) Olson of Belgrade, Kristin (Mark) McKamey of Las Vegas, NV, Jennifer (Levi) Shugart of Belgrade, Kenneth (Megan) Olson of Buckeye, AZ, MaryAnne (Chase) Heap of Farmington, NM, David Olson of Bozeman, and Kacy Olson of Billings; and her 26 grandchildren whom she loved so dearly. 

       The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Bozeman Police Department, the Fire Department, AMR, the Emergency staff, and the ICU doctors and nurses at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital for their support of Lola in her final hours.   Her viewing will be held at 10am on Saturday, October 12 and the celebration of her life will begin at 11am at the LDS Stake Center on Colter Avenue.  Dokken Nelson Funeral Service will be handling funeral arrangements and condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.lolaolson.blogspot.com .  Donations can be made to American Federal Savings Bank in the Olson Family Memorial fund.

        Lola was a proud wife, mother and grandma and loved being with her family more than anything.  She was a dedicated employee and worked hard at everything she did.  She was very patient, thoughtful and selfless, and always put others’ needs above her own.  She endured many hardships in her final years but continued to be an inspiration to all she knew.  She was an amazing woman, truly one of a kind and we will miss her every second of everyday.