Olive Anderson

Olive Virginia Anderson, 86, of Missoula passed away on Sunday, November 9th surrounded by her loving family at St. Patrick's Hospital in Missoula. Ollie parted this world peacefully while the sky was rippled in pink and blue. She was surrounded by her favorite thing… Love.

Olive was born on January 24th, 1939 in Havre, MT. Here, she was raised by her parents; Helen and Francis Mays. She was the youngest of three. She adored her older brother Harvey, whose nickname for her was “brat”. Perhaps that nickname came from the time she cut up her sister’s clothing hanging on the clothesline. Being the youngest, she was known to throw temper tantrums.

She attended school in Havre graduating as the Blue Pony’s Valedictorian in 1957.

While in high school, Olive met Mark Hale Anderson. They became high school sweethearts and were married just shortly after graduation on November 23rd, 1957.

“Ollie” worked beginning in high school as a Switchboard Operator for Mountain Bell. Later, occupations would include; “Flag Lady” for MDT, Clerk for JC Penny and many customer service positions. Ollie also owned and operated Tropical Aquariums in Missoula with her husband. Together they started the “Big Sky Salt Water Club” where they met many friends. Lastly, Ollie spent many years as a patient accounts representative at Community Hospital where she worked until her retirement. After retiring she spent five years volunteering in her daughter's classroom at Lewis & Clark Elementary.

Ollie was an avid Griz Fan. She and Mark spent many years cheering for their beloved “Grizzlies”. They attended many Lady Griz Basketball games and cheered the Griz football team as season ticket holders from the infamous “North End-Zone”. She was adventurous. Ollie loved spending time outdoors. From tending her beautiful flowers, to spending countless hours fishing on their boat.

Ollie was well known for famous brownies, apple pie, butter cookies, spritz cookies, fudge, and homemade pizza. Ollie was strong and selfless… a Breast Cancer survivor. During her treatment, she spent time hand embroidering beautiful gifts which she gave to those she loved. Gifts they will treasure forever.

Ollie had many talents which include playing the piano, organ, and clarinet. She was no stranger to winning the pot in poker. She loved Christmas, decorating for holidays, the color blue, and she wouldn't dare be seen without her lipstick. Ollie had a spunky and spontaneous side. She loved a campfire and spent many nights sharing memories, and laughs with her family.

Above all else, Ollie LOVED. Family was everything to her. Never forgetting a birthday, or special occasion, she loved to send cards. Even during hard times, she remained strong, courageous, positive, and humble. She reminded us to find the best part of each day. She was a faithful and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Olive was strong in her faith. After losing her husband in December, her heart was broken. She had immeasurable support from her family.and she spent 321 days making lasting memories with her daughters and their families.

Though we miss her terribly, we find peace knowing Ollie and Mark are reunited in Heaven where they will be celebrating their anniversary on November 23rd. In 68 years, they will never have spent an anniversary apart. Something they were very proud of.

Ollie is survived by her daughter Cynthia Doherty and son-in-law Dennis Doherty, her daughter Sharon Jones and son-in-law Chip Jones; grandchildren Jacquelyn, Joshua, Adam, Morgan, and Kellie; great-grandchildren Colter, Kynlee, Emma, Adelyn, Landon, Ayla, Ollie, Kendall, Ella, Piper, and Quinn.

Olive is preceded in death by her husband Mark.

The family would like to thank Dr.Tuberty at St Patricks Hospital for his compassion and care. They would also like to thank the incredible nurses who treated Ollie and her family with kindness and dignity.

Lastly the family would like to thank Vanessa Shook for the extraordinary care given to Mark, Ollie and their family.