Olive Betty Lyon, 88

On Oct. 3, 2017, with her family by her side, Olive Betty Lyon, 88, “joined her beloved husband and other family members in heaven,” after complications from several strokes.

She was born on May 21, 1929, in Kalispell, daughter of Oliver and Gertie Frederick. She met her husband, Norman Lyon, at the Blue Moon bar, and was married on Sept. 1, 1956. They raised two daughters, and together they all enjoyed many camping and fishing trips. They were active members of the Eagles, as well as the Evergreen Fire Department.

After retiring in 1991, Norman and Olive enjoyed many excursions traveling from Alaska in the summer to Arizona in the winter. Her travels also included a trip to Norway to meet relatives from her heritage.

For everyone that stopped by for a visit, they could count on being treated to a fresh cup of coffee and Olive’s famous sugar cookies! As for family get-togethers, “Grandma” was in charge of the homemade

dinner rolls. Interests in her later years included contributing hand crocheted shawls and afghans to her church for clothing drives.

After the death of her husband, Olive received companionship from June, her lifelong friend of 80 years. Together they spent many hours going for drives, shopping and laughing together.

She is survived by her children, Sandy L. Krusoff of Kalispell, and her daughters Destiny Townsend, Mikelle Eckley and Carissa Morton, also Judy Lyon and her daughter Emily Dempsey. She was also

blessed with three great-grandchildren whom she cherished dearly.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Heritage Place. Without your care, love and understanding, her last months wouldn’t have been as special.

The following poem describes how blessed we all were to have Mom in our lives.

Mother

Like whispering grains of sand, blowing in the wind

Your gentle ways have guided me through all the tears and grins.

Our walks and talks and lots of hugs

Have taught me truth and wisdom

As well as firmly reined in tugs

That saved me from temptations.

The bustles and burdens of each day

Made each moment precious

When I could cuddle in your arms

And tell you all my wishes

Though many years have come and gone

Sweet lullabies and storybooks

Still echo in my dreams

Please know how much I love you, Mom,

For I know that God must see

What perfection he has wrought

In choosing you for me. (author unknown)

A celebration of life for Olive will be held for family and friends in the spring of 2018.