Lois Reta Olson, 91 peacefully passed on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Sidney Health Center Extended Care in Sidney, MT with family by her side.

Lois Reta Olson was born on January 24, 1935, in Sidney, MT to Claude and Lucille Stanford and was the baby of their 7 children.

Lois often shared stories about her time working at the “Dime Store” with her sister and running around town with her many friends. In her younger days she loved bowling and shared many happy times on the lanes with friends.
Lois’s sister-in-law Lorna introduced her to Roy Olson and they later married on May 9, 1969. Lois embraced their life together where they raised their two boys, John and Matthew, out on the farm near Cartwright. When the boys were old enough for school Lois returned to the Clerk and Recorders office where she worked faithfully and was known for her dedication, reliability, and friendly nature until she retired in 1999 to be home with Roy.

Roy passed away in 2015 and Lois was able to maintain the family home with the help of her family until this year. Having been a widow for many years, Lois carried herself with quiet strength, kindness, and a warm sense of humor that stayed with her throughout her life.

In Lois’s later years, she looked forward to visits from her grandchildren and most recently her twin great-grandsons. Lois also enjoyed attending the “Class of 53” lunches, where she reconnected with classmates and shared memories and laughter together.

Lois passed on May 9, 2026 at Sidney Health Center Extended Care after an extended hospital stay with family by her side.

She is survived by her children John (Angie) Olson, Matthew (Stacie) Olson, her grandchildren: Cole (Rylie) Olson, Alec Olson, Julen Idoate, Ainhoa (Jarrod) Fasching, Andoni Idoate (Halle Carlson), Kassadee Olson, and her great-grandchildren: Kendal & Myer Olson, sister-in-law Ilene Stanford, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Roy Olson, and her parents Claude and Lucille Stanford, her brothers Harold (Chris) Stanford, Herman (Carol) Stanford, Thurman Stanford, James (Lorna) Stanford, Ralph Stanford, and her sister Maxine (Charles) Willis.

Memorial Contribution