Betty Olson

Betty Darlene Olson was born on October 12, 1929, to Clarence and Ella Elmer in Cottonwood, MN.  The family moved to Evansville, MN. when Betty was a small child.  Betty was involved in girl scouts, cheerleading, and a drummer in the high school band.  In 1947 Betty graduated from Evansville HS and went on to Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.  She married high school sweetheart and love of her life Palmer Olson on June 4, 1950.  A favorite memory of that day was having niece Lynn at her side as flower girl.  Palmer and Betty moved to a turkey farm near Alexandria, MN where they started their family and lived until 1958.  The family then went to West Fargo, N.D. where Palmer worked as an electrician and Betty raised their 5 children.  In 1964 Betty went back to college to finish her degree and enter the profession of her dreams.  She was a teacher for 27 years in the West Fargo Elementary schools during which time she also earned her master’s degree.  Betty absolutely loved the students, teaching, and made many forever friendships with fellow teachers. She retired in 1994 to enjoy years of family fun and travel with Palmer.  Betty was an avid sports fan attending many games while continuously supporting her NDSU Bison and MN Twins. 

In retirement Betty was able to spend more time at their lake home in Osage, MN.  It was there that she and Palmer hosted many of the grand kids every summer.  It is still the place they all want to be and where they have become best friends. Grandma’s pancake breakfasts, banana bread, and endless treats will forever remain a favorite of so many kids.  She loved watching the kids ski and play volleyball, taking walks with the kids and dogs, and gathering for meals and ice cream.  Great love was learned from the life that she lived and shared.

Betty also enjoyed over 20 years of winters at her Mesa, AZ home. She especially enjoyed a month-long visit from her brother Don.  Another thrill was when her nephew Randy purchased a home near hers.

Betty passed away Saturday, February 8, 2020, at Littleton Adventist Hospital, Littleton, CO.  Her children and many of her grandchildren were able to visit her during her final week. Her family was reminded and comforted by her love and never-wavering faith in the Lord. She will be missed for her genuine love, caring, kindness, fun, and wisdom.

Betty is survived by sons Tony (Shirley) Olson of Osage, MN, Rick Olson (Susy Hasse) of West Fargo, daughter Robin (Vernon) Trader of Littleton, CO; grandchildren, Jon (Corina) Olson, Seattle, WA, Elizabeth (Kevin) Carter, Parker, CO, Sarah (Allen) Houdek, Jordan, MN, Katie (Anthony) Williams, St Paul, MN, Kristan (Mitch) Kary, Woodbury, MN, Scott (Amanda) Olson, Excelsior, MN, Jenessa (Adam) Campbell, Maple Grove, MN, Kelsey Trader, Littleton, CO, Tyler (Sarah) Trader, Monument, CO; great grandchildren, Mercedes, Tristan, Nissa, Marcus, Luke, Ava, Brady, Mya, Maci, Hudson, Hayes, Hattan, Cullen and great-great grandchildren; Myles and Vaida.  Special adopted granddaughter Alecia (Rob) Brynda and great granddaughter Madison, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by Wayne Ellsworth Elmer, Ella (Loe) Elmer, Ronald Dean Olson, Clarence Edward Elmer, Dennis Walter Huseby, Cheris LaJune (Sexton) Elmer, Steven Wayne Olson, Lee Evan Elmer, Raymond Loe Elmer, Palmer LaVarn Olson, Steven Emil Sibell, Shirley (Fedje) Elmer, Dean Arlyn Elmer, and Don J. Elmer.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Porter Hospice-Denver or charity of your choice.

Visitation:   5 - 7 pm Friday, February 14, 2020, with a Prayer Service held at 7 PM, all in West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo

Funeral Service:   10 am Saturday, February 15, 2020, in Faith † Journey Lutheran Church - Downtown Campus, West Fargo

Burial:   Mound Grove Cemetery, Evansville, MN

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Olson, please visit our floral store.