Judith E. L. (Herman) Olson

Judith E. L. "Judy" Olson, 79, of Livingston, Montana, passed away Saturday, February 11th, 2017 at her home. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory. A Memorial Funeral Service will be held Thursday, June 22nd, 7:00 P.M. at American Lutheran Church refreshments will follow. Judy was born on February 16th, 1937, in West Bend, Wisconsin; she was the daughter of George and Florence (Baer) Herman. Judy received her education in West Bend and was a graduate of the West High School Class of 1955. Following her graduation she attended college at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse. She graduated with a degree in Physical Education and Health in 1959. Following the completion of her degree she decided to move to Livingston, MT. She had visited the Silver Gate area where her dad and brother were living several times as a teenager and longed to be out west. Once in Livingston she began teaching at the Junior High for a year prior to taking over the Physical Education and Health courses at the high school. In 1961 Judy was united in marriage to Russell G. Olson in Livingston. This marriage was blessed with two daughters, Jenny in 1968 and Kerry in 1972. Judy and Russell later separated in 1974 Judy was employed at Park County High School for 32 years. She coached track and the tumbling team, taught Red Cross swimming lessons, was the lead of the Girls Athletic Association (G.A.A.) and represented the State of Montana in Washington D.C. during the Title 9 hearings. Judy retired in 1992. She was a member of American Lutheran Church and their Lutheran Ladies Group. She was also participated in Treasure Lanes bowling leagues for thirty plus years. Judy enjoyed the outdoors, just about anything under the beautiful blue sky. She backpacked the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness, went camping, so enjoyed fishing the rivers and lakes outside of Cooke City, she bow-hunted, Skied both Nordic and Alpine, snowmobiled and loved to sea kayak with her daughter Jenny in Alaska. Judy was also talented artistically. She practiced the ancient Bavarian art of egg carving and enjoyed painting. Judy especially enjoyed spending time with her family, grandson and her friends. Blessed be her memory. Judy is survived by her: daughter, Jenny Heckathorn, and her husband Dan and their son Logan, of Valdez, AK; daughter, Kerry Olson of Helena, MT. Dear companion, Cliff McNair of Livingston, MT. Other relatives and many dear friends. Judy is preceded in death by her parents, George and Florence Herman and her brother, George Herman Jr. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.