Irene Carter Olson
CHARLO – Irene passed away peacefully Dec. 6, with family at her bedside. She was 82 years old.
Huldah Irene Carter was born in Darrell, Mont., Fergus County on April 1, 1928 to Clay and Huldah Toogood Carter. She was the third of eleven 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 is 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 (Julie) and Cheri Olson McLaren (Jan); grandchildren, Major David J. Boyd (Rachel), Brenda Olson Andersen (David), Jody Olson Walter, Mandy Olson Robinson (Kelly), Grayson McLaren and Gavin McLaren; siblings, Bill Carter (Sylvia), Clarabelle Carter Barsness (Richard), Marvin Carter (Sue), Sharon Carter Guenzler (George), and Trudy Carter Farrier (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.
A celebration of her life will be held on January 22, 2011 at the Leon Club House, Charlo, Mont.
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 Street, Kalispell, Mont. 59901.
