Marlene N. Olson, 77

Our Mom and the love of Duane’s life made her journey to heaven with the Angels to be with Jesus and join her mom, Carrie Schaffer; father, Martin Petri and sister, Helen Kron. Marlene passed away peacefully on Jan. 29, 2018, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born April 17, 1940, in Jordan, Mont. She lived in Miles City, Mont. until she married Duane on Aug. 2, 1959. They made the trip west to Seattle where they lived for 45 years. There they raised two children, Scott and Shelli, and enjoyed watching their five grandchildren grow up. Marlene was a stay-at-home mom for 14 years, then she went to work for North Pacific Insurance Co. until retiring at age 62. In 2004, they moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Her infectious smile and loving way will be greatly missed.

Marlene cherished all the times together with her family, especially spending time with her five grandchildren, Kendra, Rebecca, Kyle, Eric and Austin, and was blessed to see her great-granddaughters, Isabella and Iyanna, join our family. She also had an extended family of children that she loved spending time with. She enjoyed being outside working in the yard (she had a really hard time walking by a weed without stopping to pull it), going on walks (on occasion roller skating around Greenlake), reading a book in the sun and listening to her favorite singer, Elvis Presley (but not watching his movies). She also enjoyed watching basketball (Seattle Supersonics), but her favorite sports to watch were anything that her grandsons were playing.

Marlene and Duane were able to enjoy traveling for quite a few years after retiring, visiting Mexico, Hawaii and spending the winter months in Mesa, Ariz. One trip she always treasured was to finally see the Grand Canyon and visit Graceland on a cross-country trip they took in their motorhome.

Marlene is survived by her husband, Duane, of 58 years; son, Scott Olson of Mill Creek, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Carol; daughter, Shelli Quant of Coeur d’Alene; son-in-law, Bob; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; sister, Bernice Cruzen of Spokane, Wash.; brother-in-law, Mick Kron of Missoula, Mont.; sister-in-law, Lois Chandler of Bellevue, Wash. and her loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Hospice of North Idaho or Seattle Children’s Hospital. Please visit Marlene’s memorial page and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements.