Kathryn Marie Olson

Kathryn Marie Olson passed away on January 26, 2025, after her final struggle with melanoma, surrounded by loving family every step of the way. Kate was born in Ronan, MT on January 29, 1979, to Robert R. and Chris (Bunch) Shrider. She grew up in the Mission Valley the 3rd of 4 children.

 After graduating from Ronan High School, Kate left home to work as a nanny for a senior US Army officer posted in Ft. Leavenworth, KS and later to Washington DC. She returned home to attend the University of Montana in Missoula where she met her future husband Robert G. Olson Jr., also a U of M student, while they were both employed at Bradys Sportsman Surplus. 

Kate and Rob were married in June 2003. Work took them to Scottsdale, AZ as managers with Sportsman Warehouse for a brief time and then back to their beloved Montana where Kate again worked as a manager alongside her husband and father at his Ronan Sports & Western for many years. Kate and Rob were blessed with two daughters before separating in 2023 to continue sharing the joys of parenthood amicably.

 Kate finished her working life as a Pharmacy Tech at R & R Pharmacy, serving the people who needed her kindness, empathy, and caring attention as much as the medicine she dispensed.

 Kate is survived by her parents, her sister Melanie Miller, brothers Robert and James Shrider, daughters Loren and Lorelei Olson, and a great many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

 Kate’s grandparents William Joseph and Kathryn Theresa (McDonell) Shrider will be waiting for her on the other side.

 “Amazing Kate” was a source of joy, compassion, and light for all those around her. She was full of love.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 am at Ronan Cemetery.