Martha E. Olsen

November 3, 1922-March 24, 2011

Betty Olsen, 88, passed away on Thursday, March 24 in Boulder, CO. Betty was born in Bison, KS, and her family moved to Boulder when she was just three years old. She attended Boulder High School and was in the first class to graduate from the “new” building on Arapahoe. Betty married William Cheney in 1942 and they had three beautiful daughters. They later divorced. Betty became a beautician and as a single mother worked long hours at the Modern Beauty Shop on Pearl St. to support her girls, Linda, Peggy and Gini. On April 30, 1961 Betty married Ole Olsen, a long time bachelor who quickly became a wonderful stepfather, and later grandfather and great-grandfather. Ole passed away on April 11, 2005. Betty and Ole were long-time members of the Boulder Elks Lodge and passed many a Saturday night there drinking “high balls” and dancing the night away with their friends. They traveled the US and thoroughly enjoyed their retirement years. Spending time with their grandchildren and great grandchildren was a favorite pastime. Their home was a place of comfort, fun and love for the entire family.

Betty is survived by her daughter Linda Anderson (Bill); her son in law Cleve McHugh, her granddaughters Kristi Audette (Dan), Vickie Kinyon (Ken) and Sabrina Thalblum (Todd). She also had six loving great grandchildren, Christian Douthitt, Matthew Douthitt, Ryan Douthitt, Noah Thalblum, Gabriella Thalblum and Haylee Kinyon. Along with Ole, her daughters Peggy McHugh and Gini Roome preceded her in death. She also had lots of loving family in San Diego, CA.

A service honoring Betty will take place on Friday, April 1, 2011 at 11:00 am at Crist Mortuary Chapel. Interment will take place at Mountain View Memorial Park. A luncheon will follow at the home of Kristi and Dan Audette, 6955 Harvest Road, Boulder. Please join the family in remembering this amazing woman.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge Betty’s Sunrise of Boulder family, who took wonderful care of her and was so supportive over the past several years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Betty’s name to Laradon by visiting http://www.laradon.org/WaysToGive-DonateNow.htm, you may also mail your gift to Laradon at 5100 Lincoln Street, Denver, CO 80216. Laradon provides programs for children and adults with disabilities.

Please share thoughts, memories, and condolences with the family at www.cristmortuary.com