Carol A. Olson

She was born on October 10, 1937, in Sidney, NE. She attended grade and junior high school in Alliance, NE, and graduated from Denver West High School in 1955. Carol was the daughter of Carlyle and Irene (Gorsuch) Ellison. In high school she worked for her father at Hested’s variety store in Englewood and Denver, CO, and then for him at Paxton’s variety store in Eaton, CO. Carol met her husband, John, in 1957, while attending Colorado A&M College (now Colorado State University). They were married July 4, 1959, and lived in Greeley, Steamboat Springs, and Lander, WY, before moving to Longmont in 1969, where they purchased a new home in May of 1974. In Longmont, she was employed at Wonder World Preschool, then as a reading teacher’s aide at Loma Linda Elementary School in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Following that, she worked five years as a receptionist for Dr. Byron "Bud" Yost. In addition, she graded St. Vrain district high school advanced placement English student papers. She would often provide editing advice, guidance, and grammatical assistance on her sons’ resumes, papers, etc.

Carol thoroughly enjoyed attending her sons’ and grandchildren’s various sports events, concerts, recitals, and musicals. Carol also took much pleasure in family gatherings and special holidays, where she generously hosted and provided great food and warm hospitality. Her lasagna, goulash, and German chocolate cake were some of the families’ favorites. Friends and relatives were always welcome. Carol had a gift of making her loved ones feel special and unique. She gently and consistently praised each and every one of them, and showered her grandkids as young toddlers and kids with small toys and goodies that greeted them every time they arrived at her home. She always stood on the porch, smiled, and waved to all visitors as they drove away. Carol was a very intelligent, witty, and creative woman, with a great sense of humor. She was also adept at resolving basic medical needs in a caring and loving way.

Greeting and holiday cards were important to Carol. She never missed a birthday or special occasion, and expressed her kindness and thoughtfulness in beautifully handwritten messages on each card.

Carol is survived by her husband of 62 years, John of Longmont, CO; sons Jeff of Cheyenne, WY, Reed (Anne) of Lincoln, NE, Blake (Yvette) of Lone Tree, CO, Brian (Shannan) Olson of Longmont, CO, brother Gary Ellison of Longmont, CO; as well as her loving grandchildren Jay Olson, Lyndsey Olson, Ty Olson, Ava Salazar, Zaiah Olson, Akari Olson, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her son Barry Jay Olson, Daughter-In-Law Holly Olson, and Granddaughter Anette Olson.

A Celebration of Carol's Life was held on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Longmont, CO. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Children’s Hospital Oncology Department, in memory of Barry Jay Olson and Carol Ann Olson. Memorial donations may be mailed to Children’s Hospital Colorado Foundation, P.O. Box 5585, Denver CO 80217-5585. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com.