Frances L. Olsen, 87

Frances Louise Olsen, 87, passed away peacefully at her home with family by her side on Jan. 2, 2021.

Frances was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Oct. 16, 1933, to Carl and Lola (Russell) Eller. She and her family moved several times before settling in Cottage Grove, Oregon.

Frances met her husband Francis A. Olsen from Kalispell in Cottage Grove while he was working there. They married Dec. 24, 1953. While in Oregon they had two children, Lorraine and Wyatt. They then moved to Montpelier, Idaho, for a short time where their third child, Cynthia, was born. They lived there for one year before making the permanent move to Kalispell in 1965.

Frances was always artistic and was part owner of Clay House Ceramics and very involved with various crafting clubs and the Northwest Montana Fair. She continued to paint and craft for the rest of her life. She was very active with her children’s school events and, later, her greatest joy was her grandchildren. She went to work for the state of Montana as a home attendant where she retired in 1998. She loved shopping, crafting, gardening and cooking for her family. She was a friend to many and loved by all that knew her.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Harold, Henry Rudolph and Ray, and her sisters Inez and Charlotte, and her husband Francis. She is survived by her children, Lorraine Ford (husband Derek), Wyatt Olsen (wife Mary) and Cindy Olsen; her grandkids, Nicole, Ann, Terrance, Hailey, Forrest and Rebecca; and seven great-grand kids.

Services are not planned at this time.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the family.