Nancy Kay Olson

Nancy Kay Olson

Nancy Kay Olson, 70, died Sunday at Benefis East in Great Falls.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, March 8, at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Joplin. A reception will follow in Kjos Hall. Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester. Her ashes will be buried this spring in the Joplin Cemetery.

Nancy was born Jan. 17, 1943, in Great Falls, the eldest of three to Lucille Poppler and Cliff Thorson. She grew up on the family farm north of Joplin. After graduating from Joplin High School in 1961, she attended the University of Montana in Missoula.

She married Laurence Olson Dec. 27, 1962. They lived in Joplin, where she was a homemaker and mother. Her hobbies included baking, sewing, crafts, gardening, reading, dancing, bowling, board games, swimming and traveling. She was very active in her church.

Nancy is survived by her husband of 50 years, Larry Olson of Joplin; daughter, Heidi (Bruce) Richter of Joplin; sons, Scott Olson of Los Angeles, Calif., and Todd (Kristi) Olson of Chester; four grandchildren, Brandon, Cory, Spencer and Lucas; brother, Jerry (Gloria) Thorson of Joplin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Candace.