Frances Marie (Crupi) Olson, 91, was born on April 20 ^th , 1931 in Milwaukee, WI.  She grew up as the second of four children and was the apple of her father's eye.  As such, he gave her the nickname "Dolly" which stayed with her into adulthood.  Frances graduated high school in 1949.  After graduation, she went to work at an electric parts factory where she met the love of her life, Jarvis (Jay) Olson.  They were married on February 17 ^th , 1951, and started their family that same year.  They shared a lifetime of adventures in the nearly 72 years that they were married, most notably raising their six children.  In 1965 they took on the adventure of relocating their young family from Milwaukee to Hill City, SD, the place they have called "home" ever since.

Settling into their new home, they bought and ran the Camelot Motel south of Hill City for ten years.  Then she found work as a study hall monitor at Hill City High School during the 1970s.  Eventually, they bought a ranch outside of town where Frances managed the books and learned to ride a horse.  She spent the latter part of their working years traveling with her husband for his work until his retirement.  She was active in her faith at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church and lived out her servant's heart through a variety of volunteer activities including teaching catechism classes, involvement with the Altar Society, and delivering meals to the homebound until she was well into her 80s.

While Frances was an active member of her community, first and foremost, she invested herself in her role as a wife and mother.  She spent the majority of her time and energy caring for—and keeping up with—her big and active family.  She found particular joy in attending the various activities and sporting events of her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. Being the mother-hen that she was, she was never afraid to discipline a child who was out of line but was known for making everyone feel welcomed, loved—and fed.  She had mastered the art of feeding large crowds, and the entire family looked forward to "Grandma's meatballs" and the holiday gatherings at the ranch.  Despite the exorbitant amount of work, she continued to host the ever-growing family as they filled every corner of the house, making memorable slumber parties for the grandkids in the loft of her home for many years.  With all of that, Frances still found time to foster a few hobbies of her own and especially enjoyed playing bridge, knitting, reading, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

"Dolly" will be remembered for her fortitude in faith, dedication to her family, feisty and poised personality, her bright smile, warm laughter, and especially for her overwhelming kindness.  She may have stood barely 5' tall, but this little lady was a mighty giant to everyone who loved her. She left a lasting legacy through her family that will resound for generations.

Surviving family members include her husband and lifetime partner, Jarvis (Jay) Olson; children Dawn (Eddie) Edwards of Spearfish, Joy (Dennis) Groen of Olivet, Robert (RoseAnn) Olson of Hulett, Annette (Tom) Duffy of Hill City, Mary Lou (Shawn) Tabke of Sioux City, IA, and Laura Olson (David Swafford) of Montgomery, TX; 26 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.  Welcoming her at heaven's gate will be her parents, stillborn daughter, siblings, grandson, and great-grandson.

Friends and family are invited to a Vigil Service on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Hill City.  Visitation will precede the Vigil and be from 4:30-5:30  p.m.  A Christian Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, February 1 at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Hill City Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Frances' memory to The International Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva Association (IFOPA). Click Here To Access Donation Website