Shirley Ann Olson, 92, of Billings, passed away early Friday morning, June 26, 2026, at the Billings Clinic.

The daughter of Lilly Olivia and Carl Christian Olsen, she was born August 25, 1933, in Belfry, Montana. Growing up, she learned to play the piano from her mother and neighbor, Mrs. Andrew. She played the piano for the local church on Sundays. She graduated from Belfry High School in 1952 as Valedictorian. She was really proud of being a "Belfry Bat." After high school, she moved to Billings and worked for Mr. Everson, a Billings accounting firm. In 1952, she was crowned Jaycees "Flame Girl" at the Fox Theater. She was sponsored by Vaughn-Ragsdale.

On December 20, 1953, she married William A."Bill" Olson at the First Congregational Church in Billings. They had met at his father's grocery store, Chickas, located at 123 North 26th Street. She was living at 2520 2nd Ave. North at the time. They built their first and only home at 2511 Treasure Drive. In order to be approved for the loan, they had to paint the house. They had three sons and enjoyed family vacations to Denver, Yellowstone National Park, Disneyland, and Minnesota, among other places.

Shirley enjoyed visiting with family. She was very close to her older sister, Selma and her older brother Lambert and their families. She was very proud of her parents as they both were immigrants from Denmark. Her mom being from Skaerum, Denmark and her dad being from Naestved, Denmark. Family history stories were always topics for discussion as she had many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Her boys, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were always special in her heart.

Something she enjoyed all of her life was watching the old classic black and white movies. She could tell you all about the old movies and movie stars. Growing up, her family would drive over to Red Lodge to watch them in the theater.

Shirley's survivors include three sons, Mark and his wife, Jeanne of Billings, and Mike and Brian of Billings; two grandchildren, Anton of Billings, and Jenny (Travis) Krieger of Hardin, Montana; also four great-grandchildren, Leighla, Coyt, Ila, and Tade Krieger of Hardin, Montana.

Visitation will be at 11am Thursday, July 2nd at Michelotti Sawyers, followed by a graveside service at 12:30 at Mountview Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the charity of choice.