Vera Olson passed away on June 8, 2026 at Sheridan Memorial Hospital with her sons by her side. Vera Elaine was born in the middle of calving season on April 15, 1942 to parents Richard and Matilda ‘Tilly’ and big brothers Victor and Richard Kelly in Helena Montana. Helena is where she spent her formative years helping on the family farm. Chickens, cows and horses make up many of her childhood stories and she was quick to remind you she knew hard work.

At the tail end of her high school years she went on a double date that would change her life. She accepted a date from her friend named Fred, but by the end of the night she was certain Terry was the one for her. Terry Olson was Vera’s great love. She would tell us all ‘Terry took such good care of me.’ He loved her dearly and doted on her endlessly. They were married in November of 1960. The following August they started their family with the birth of their beloved daughter Kellie Ann. Tod Michael came just 22 months later to their delight and some many years down the road baby Troy Huston completed the family. There were many adventures to be had as a family but their biggest was moving to Sheridan, Wyoming in 1977.

It was a big change for the Olson family but it became home for each family member in their own time. Terry was never one to sit still, and Vera was never one to get left behind. Vera started a ceramics business shortly after moving to Sheridan. She was so talented and loved hosting classes and teaching her trade. Vera lived so many lives in her 84 years. There were restaurants, exercise shops and many ventures in between. Her very favorite was the time she spent at the Wyoming Girl’s School. That position meant the world to her. She loved all the connections she was able to make with the girls and staff there. Her love was felt by many and she felt valued and respected in her role.

Family meant everything to Vera. She loved her children and her husband fiercely. She delighted in the birth of each grandchild. Everything was tightly centered around her family unit. Losing Terry to colon cancer shortly after their daughter beat it in 1996 was one of the darkest periods of Vera’s life. He was 56 and they had their whole lives left to live. It took a bit, but she got up and dusted herself off. She chose to live. She laughed, she adventured and generally speaking had the best damn time. She found a companion and true friend in Bunny Newlan. They were close until he passed away. She spent her time cheering in the bleachers for her grandkids. Garage sale-ing. Traveling. Spending winters in Mesquite, NV. Playing cards with the girls. Drinks at the Shrine. Dinners with friends. Cool Deadwood Nights. Trips to see her family in Helena. She called her children daily. She loved helping Kelly with black-tie events, and spending time on the mountain with her boys. But it’s no secret that her absolute favorite thing to do was Mexico with her family. She recognized what a blessing it was to be able to travel together with her entire family, and she cherished it. Everyone laughed, swam, and ate good food. Memories were made that her entire family cherishes.

Vera had an exceptional relationship with the Lord. Her faith always helped her through her darkest times, and we are comforted knowing she is with him now. Her beloved husband Terry and her daughter Kellie were there to usher her through the gates of heaven as well as both of her parents and her oldest brother Victor. She is survived by her sons Tod (Becky) Olson and Troy (Kristi) Olson, and son in-law Sean Carroll. Her Grandkids Mandy (Josh) Beil, Tucker (Brittany) Carroll, Kiley (Dylan) Shaw, Tazmyn (Layne) Rodriguez, Triven Olson, + TyLynn Olson along with great-grand sons: Gus, Knox, Malakai and Tylden (born hours before Vera passed).A

Celebration Of Life will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Champion Kane Funeral Home, with Pastor Rachel Hostleter officiating. A dessert reception will follow the service in the Champion Kane Funeral Home Reception Room.

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ChampionKane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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