Irene Carter Olson, 82

Irene passed away peacefully Dec. 6, 2010, with family at her bedside. She was 82 years old.

Huldah Irene Carter was born in Darrell, Fergus County, on April 1, 1928, to Clay and Huldah Toogood Carter. She was the third of 11 children.

In 1930 Irene moved to Charlo with her family. She graduated from Charlo High School in 1946. She attended business school in Missoula and became the office manager at Consolidated Dairies.

She married Chuck Olson in 1949 and they had two children together, Chuck and Cheri.

Irene will be remembered by her children, six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

She wa preceded in death by her husband; parents; and siblings, Hester Carter, Delbert Carter, Fern Stott, Ernie Carter and Gary Carter.

She is survived by her children, Chuck Olson and Julie, and Cheri Olson McLaren and Jan; grandchildren, Maj. David J. Boyd and Rachel, Brenda Olson Andersen and David, Jody Olson Walter, Mandy Olson Robinson and Kelly, Grayson McLaren and Gavin McLaren; siblings, Bill Carter and Sylvia, Clarabelle Carter Barsness and Richard, Marvin Carter and Sue, Sharon Carter Guenzler and George, and Trudy Carter Farrier and Merle.

She was an exceptional grandma who enjoyed making cookies and teaching the grandkids how to play cards. She enthusiastically cheered her grandchildren on and was often moved to tears. She was passionate about her grandchildren, cooking and politics, and was full of witty one-liners.

The family would like to thank The Village Health Care Center and Dr. Shepherd for the exceptional care given to Irene.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Flathead Valley Veterans, 241 Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901.

A celebration of Irene’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Jan. 22, in Charlo at the Leon Community Clubhouse.