Delores "Dolly" Olson

    Our sweet Mother, Delores Olson passed peacefully in her sleep at home surrounded by her family. Delores was born February 13, 1930 to Albert and Marion Frates in Salt Lake City, UT. Delores was the second child of eleven children. 

    As a child, Delores moved to the Oregon Slope with her family, where she resided until she was married. It was in this home that Delores learned how to cook, clean, care for her siblings, and how to take care of a home—which if you knew her, you know she mastered this art. Being the oldest girl of 11 children, she made the decision to stay home after the 8th grade and help raise her siblings instead of finishing her high school education. 

    Though her time in school was short, she managed to meet the love of her life, Kirk Olson. They attended many Grange dances out on the slope together and Delores knew that he was the one for her, so she waited until he graduated high school and watched Kirk go off to college. However, Kirk’s time in college didn’t last long—he had a few months away and decided he wanted to marry Mom. I’m sure all the letters and pictures she sent didn’t help his decision at all!        

    They bought a little home in Payette and moved in. It wasn’t long before their family grew. A daughter, Vicki, was born and then another daughter, Sharon. After the arrival of Sharon, they decided to pack up and move to New Mexico for work. It was there that their son, Monty, was born. While Monty was still a baby they decided to come home to Payette. It was there that they had their 4th child, Julie, and their family was now complete. Delores still lived in the home up until the time of her passing. 

    Mom had a beautiful singing voice and sang for many events over the years. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Payette and sang there often, as well as for weddings and funerals. She was a member of the Friday Musical, and they sang at many community events. She passed her love of music on to her family.

   After the kids were grown, Mom and Dad got to travel some. Their favorite mode of transportation was on a big Gold Wing motorcycle. They were members of the Just for Fun Motorcycle club and went on many trips, including one to Canada. 

    Their quick retirement ended when Mom turned 62 when Larry and Clay came to live with them. It was a challenge being so late in life as the boys were 3 years old and 5 years old when they moved in but as always, Mom rose to the occasion, and I know the boys kept her young. Once Larry and Clay were settled, they continued their adventures, boys in tow, to Disneyland, the Redwoods, the Oregon coast and lots of camping (sometimes in the backyard). 

  Mom loved her family; she loved her brothers and sisters so much. She told everyone about her siblings and the many wild stories of their upbringings. She stayed close with all of them, and they are all supportive of each other. Late in her life, she enjoyed many afternoons of playing cards and games with her sisters, Carmene and JoAnn. Delores always loved and welcomed visitors in their home, and always took the time to make sure everyone felt welcome. You can bet that there would be coffee brewing (or tea), candy orange slices and some sort of baked goods out as soon as you arrived. 

    Our mother was an amazing woman in so many ways. She faced so many challenges in her life but always met them with grace and dignity. Delores is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Kirk, brother Ray, brother Bud, Sister JoAnn, brother Albert, and Sister Caroline.