Vivian Olson

Violet Vivian Olson

Choteau —Violet Vivian Moore, the second of three daughters, was born June 17, 1922 to Victoria and Walter Moore in Great Falls, MT. Violet "Vi" attended Great Falls schools, and the College of Great Falls where she studied bookkeeping.

In 1941, Vi met a young soldier, Bud Olson, who would become her husband following his return from World War II. Bud reports that Vi wrote him everyday while he was in the army. Her letters were often the only bright spot in his day. Vi and Bud celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary this past May.

Following their wedding, Vi and Bud moved to a farm south of Great Falls. In 1948 they purchased a cattle ranch west of Choteau on the Teton River where they raised their two children, Gary and Judy. They lived on the family ranch until two years ago when they moved to Choteau.

Vi was an active member of the Choteau United Methodist Church since 1949; a founding member of the "River Rats"; an avid bowler and card player. Later in life Bud and Vi enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Vi's favorite trips included Hawaii, an Alaskan Cruise, Disney Land, Disney World, the Oregon Coast and Washington, DC.

Vi never met a person she didn't consider a friend. Quite the extrovert, she loved to visit, tell stories and entertain. She was known for her hospitality. There was always a pot of coffee on for visitors and if they were lucky, a pan of her home-made cinnamon rolls. She was extremely proud of her four grandsons and kept a file of trophy pictures of their successful hunting and fishing trips.

Vi passed away peacefully July 1, 2013 at the Teton Nursing Home.

Vi is survived by her husband, Bud of Choteau; her son Gary and his wife Kathy of Conrad, MT; her daughter Judy and her husband Brad of Billings, four grandsons: Jeff Olson of Great Falls, Jim Olson (Annie) of Choteau, Tyler Stewart and Tucker Stewart, both of Billings; her sister Dorothy Payton of Power and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved very much.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Teton Nursing Home for their compassionate and quality care provided to Vi, and also the many friends and relatives who provided food, flowers or stopped in to visit during her illness. Your kindness meant more than you'll ever know.

A memorial service honoring Vi will be held at the Choteau United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 6th at 11:00 AM with a reception following. Memorials can be made to the Teton Nursing Home (Choteau), the Choteau United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be left at www.gorderjensenfunerlhome.com