Violet Elizabeth Olsen, 96

Violet was born in Schuyler, Nebraska, to Czechoslovakian parents Adolph and Ann Novak, who were also born in Schuyler. Together with her older brother Orville and younger sister Loretta

(both deceased), she grew up on the family farm. Beginning school a year early, Violet completed 12 grades in 11 years. She also studied and received her degree and teacher’s certificate from the University of Nebraska during high school, then began teaching first through eighth grade in a rural school just before turning 17.

In 1940 Violet married Charles Alvin Olsen. They moved into the new home they built on the Olsen’s homestead and Violet taught prior to starting a family.

In 1958 the family moved to a ranch near Missoula. After her family was grown, Violet resumed teaching at Lone Rock School in Stevensville while attending night classes and summer sessions at the University of Montana in Missoula, updating her teaching certificate and taking various related studies.

The family moved to the ranch in Ovando, where Violet taught at a first through eighth grade rural school on Rogers Pass. They then moved to Bigfork. Violet then taught various grades, second through sixth, for 19 years along with starting and maintaining the library and played piano for their music program. She retired in 1988 from the Swan River School but continued to substitute until she was 75 years old, spanning two generations of students.

Violet was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa an international honorary teacher’s sorority and also served as president, continuing her membership for 41 years.

Violet enjoyed cooking for family and friends who often visited. She also enjoyed boating on Echo and Flathead Lakes, and for 14 summers she and Charles towed their boat to O’Conner Marina north of Seattle and cruised the Inside Passage north toward Alaska, enjoying the challenge and making many lasting friendships along the way, as well as enjoying the delicious salmon, crabs, clams and shrimp fresh from the cold waters. It was special when family joined.

She was predeceased by her husband Charles.

Violet is survived by daughter Betty of Weed, New Mexico, and son Raymond of Kalispell; six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Violet had a full, active and loving life filled with friends, students and family.

Her memorial will be held at 2 p.m. on March 4 at the Swan River Community Hall. For questions, please call Ray at 406-890-9870.