Kerry Olson

1972 - 2025

Kerry Marie Olson, age 53, died peacefully after a short illness on June 26, 2025 in Helena, Montana.

Kerry was born on January 7, 1972 at Livingston Memorial Hospital to Judith (Judy) E.L. Olson and Russell G. Olson. It was evident early on that Kerry had both intellectual and developmental disabilities. Visits to specialists failed to identify the cause of Kerry's disabilities and her outlook was bleak, with doctors and specialists thinking she would not be able to walk or talk. Undeterred, with the help of homemade leg braces her mom made out of archery arm guards and a homemade stand box, Kerry strengthened her leg muscles and learned how to stand and walk on her own by the age of four. Kerry, along with her mother and older sister Jenny learned American Sign Language to communicate. With a lot of hard work by Kerry, her mother, sister, and teachers, Kerry graduated from Park High School in 1992. She earned many medals in several events at the local and State Special Olympics over the years. Kerry enjoyed spending time with family going fishing, camping, horseback riding, swimming, skiing, snowmobiling, and bowling. She was an active participant in Eagle Mount ski, horseback riding and swimming programs from 1984-1993. In 1994, Kerry moved to Helena and was cared for by Spring Meadow Resources. She worked part time over the years at Spring Meadow Resources and Westmont and enjoyed watching movies, doing puzzles, playing tricks on people, drinking Pepsi and spending time with her aides. On occasion, Kerry and her mother visited her sister's family in Valdez, Alaska and enjoyed trips to Disneyland. Kerry was very fortunate to have wonderful people in her life helping care for her for thirty-one years. Kerry's loving nature and guffaw laugh will be missed.

Kerry was preceded in death by her father Russ Olson in 2003, uncle George Herman Jr. in 2004, and mother Judy Olson in 2017. She is survived by her sister Jenny, brother-in-law Dan Heckathorn of Bozeman, MT and nephew Logan Heckathorn of Gilbert, AZ.

A celebration of life memorial service and luncheon was held for Kerry on July 31, 2025 at Spring Meadow Resources. Her cremated remains will be placed at her family's plot at Mountain View Cemetery in Livingston, MT. Any donations in Kerry's name can be made to Eagle Mount in Bozeman or Spring Meadow Resources in Helena.