Christina M. "Milly" Olson

Christina Mildred "Milly" Olson, 84, of Great Falls, a homemaker, farmwife and former restaurant owner, died of respiratory failure Monday at a local hospital.
Her funeral is 11 a.m. Saturday at the Dutton United Methodist Church, followed by burial at Dutton Cemetery. A reception and luncheon will be served at the Dutton American Legion Hall. Arrangements are under the direction of Croxford Funeral Home.
Milly was born in Pondera County on Feb. 25, 1926. Her parents, Alexander and Anna MacLean, had immigrated to Montana from Stornoway, Scotland. There were four children in Milly's family: her brothers, Johnny and Kenneth, her sister, Anna, and Milly. Milly's family lived and farmed in the Knees community for several years before moving to Brady. She graduated from Brady High School in 1943.
After high school, Milly worked for a time at the East Base (now Malmstrom Air Force Base) as a clerk. She had fallen in love with Martin "Ole" Olson of Dutton. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Navy. On March 27, 1945, Milly and Ole were married in Boston, where he was stationed. They moved to Dutton and were engaged in farming until Ole retired in the late 1980s. During the 1960s and 1970s, Milly and Ole also owned and operated the 6-0's Drive-Inn Restaurant in Dutton.
Milly and Ole had four sons: Ken, Terry, Jerry and Mark. She and Ole were very active in the Dutton community. Milly was a member of American Legion Post 64 Ladies Auxiliary. She was instrumental in the creation of the Dutton Public Library and served on its board for many years.
Ole died in 1992. Milly continued to live in Dutton for several years before moving to Great Falls, where she lived at the time of her death.
Milly was an engaging, outspoken person who loved nothing better than a good argument (debate). She enjoyed reading, playing bridge, travel, crossword puzzles, golf and politics. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her family members and many friends. She was a fan of the UM Grizzlies and CMR girls' basketball. Over the years, she greatly enjoyed her bridge club in Dutton and, more recently, her association with the Duplicate Bridge Club in Great Falls, where she made many new friends.
Milly had 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she dearly loved.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Johnny and Kenny MacLean; and a son, Jerry Olson.
She is survived by her sons Ken (Linda) Olson of Great Falls, Terry (Nancy) Olson of Lolo, and Mark (Linda) Olson of Shelby; as well as her 10 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all.
Memorials in her name are suggested to the Dutton Public Library or to a charity of the donor's choice.
Condolences may be posted online at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com and/or www.gftribune.com/obituaries.