Beth Olsen

Elizabeth Ann (Payne) Olsen passed away peacefully in her home on May 4, 2017 surrounded by her family. She was 82 years old. Grandma Beth, as she was known in Shelby, was born on April 30, 1935 in Lead, South Dakota to William and Lottie Payne. She was raised in Butte, Montana where she met and married Robert John Olsen on August 27, 1953. They were blessed with twelve children and after living in Butte and Great Falls, they settled in Shelby on Beth’s 30th birthday, 1965.

Beth was happiest living in her Shelby home surrounded by children, her own and those in the daycare she had for many years, Berry Fun Daycare. She loved the holidays and always made sure there was something fun for the grandchildren and daycare. She was a caring, giving soul who always put the needs of others before her own. Beth was active in St. William Catholic Church, serving as a teacher for the CCD and CYO programs, a Eucharistic minister, and filling many other needs of the church. She organized an annual coat drive and put together Christmas stockings and Easter baskets for Hi- Line Help for Abused Spouses. She was awarded the Silver Spur for her community service in 2010.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Judy, her beloved son-in-law Mike, and  granddaughter Sarah Kelleher. She is survived by her brother David, her sister Ruth Bailey, her children Cathy (Dave), Linda (Andy), Barbara (Mike, d.), Bob (Lois), Nancy (Lyn), Steve (Shari), David (Juanita), Jerry (Julie), Chris, Patti, Jeanne (Jeff), Nicki (Myles), and her 26 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Grandma Beth will be remembered by all for her selfless acts, her giving spirit, and her love of music. KSEN has lost its biggest fan.

Rosary and vigil service will be Thursday, May 11 at 7pm at Whitted Funeral Chapel. Funeral mass will be Friday at 2pm at St Williams Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hi-Line's Help for Abused Spouses or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.