Joan Irene Olson, 56

Joan Irene Olson passed in her sleep on July 8, 2016.

Joan was born in Cut Bank on March 20, 1960, to Patrick and Barbara Ryan. Joani grew up in East Glacier with her two older brothers, Rick and Micheal. She was later joined by her little sister Carol Ann. Joani loved the outdoors as a child and lived to ride her horses — a love of horses she had for life. Joani moved to Columbia Falls in her teens and graduated high school from Columbia Falls in 1978.

She married soon after and had her children Rhiannon and Cipriano Vasquez. She was a dedicated and loving mother who worked a variety of jobs to support her kids. Joani spent several years driving semi with her second husband James Lundquist and had many exciting stories to tell about it.

On July 5, 1997, she married the love of her life, Jeff Olson. Shortly after, in 1998, she suffered a serious back injury at work that would require two surgeries. She spent the rest of her life in constant and sometimes debilitating pain. Through it all she loved her children, family, friends, and especially her granddaughters Paige and Ridley. A 2015 trip to Honolulu to visit Rhiannon and the girls was a highlight of her life that brought a big smile to her face when she talked about it.

Joani was preceded in death by her father Patrick Ryan, stepfather Elmer Peone, brother Micheal Ryan, and husband James Lundquist.

She is survived by her mother Barbara Peone, loving husband Jeff Olson, daughter Rhiannon (Kurtis) Samuell, son Cipriano (Jonee) Vasquez, brother Rick (Carolyn) Ryan, sister Carol Ann (Greg Anklam) Ryan, stepson Paul (Kaitlin) Lundquist, mother-in-law Terri Wilson, her min pin Mojo, and the joy of her life granddaughters Paige and Ridley Samuell. She had many friends and family that she reconnected with on Facebook that she loved.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will take place in September.

Donations and memorials can be sent to Jeff Olson c/o Terri Wilson 2233 S. 44th St. West, Billings MT 59106.