Mary Ann Olsen

Mary Ann Olsen passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026 at the Ivy Nursing Home in Deer Lodge, MT.

She was born in Missoula, MT on September 26, 1945 to L.J. and Jane (Kelley) Hammond and was baptized in the St. Francis Xavier Church Her family lived at Grandma Hammond’s house on South 6th Street East. As a little girl she walked to St. Anthony’s School carrying her blue lunch box and crossing Higgins Street.

The Hammond Family moved to Deer Lodge when Mary Ann was in first grade. They lived at 309 Clark Street- right next to the funeral home. She said they could find the best night crawlers and even peeked in the basement windows of the funeral home to see if they could see anything. She attended St. Mary’s Academy until 8th grade. She graduated from Powell County High School in 1963. While in high school, she worked at the family business: The Wardrobe Dry Cleaners. Her job was delivering the dry cleaning to the surrounding areas. Mary Ann and her friend Patsy had several fun trips while delivering the dry cleaning.

After graduating from high school, Mary Ann moved to Spokane and attended the Kinman Busincss University for one year. She then moved to Helena and worked at the telephone company for one year. She worked a short time for Kermit Daniels, and at the Registrar’s Office for 2 years. She was the Study Hall Supervisor at Powell County High School for 2 years. She had several funny stories about the days as the study hall supervisor. She then worked at the Deer Lodge Elementary School District as a Special Education Aide until retirement.

Mary Ann married Lars Olsen on July 30, 1966. Together they ran the family ranch. Since Mary Ann grew up as a “city” girl, she quickly learned the ranching lifestyle. Mary Ann drove the truck while Lars threw the hay off for the cows, she helped with tagging calves, and other numerous ranching things. Anytime we branded the calves or took the cows to the hills, Mary Ann always made sure there was plenty of food and beer. She wanted to make sure that no one went away from the kitchen table hungry.

Mary Ann enjoyed bowling, quilting and especially taking care of her granddaughter Annalee when she was little. As Annalee grew older, Mary Ann enjoyed going to all the volleyball games and several track meets. Annalee was definitely the sparkle in Mary Ann’s eyes.

MaryAnn is preceded in death by her husband Lars, parents L.J. and Jane Hammond, brother Andy Hammond, in-laws, Lee Olsen, Hermie Olsen, Lee Eliason, Jean Sager, and Olivia Olin. She is survived by her daughter Tammy (Mark), and granddaughter Annalee. She is also survived by her brother Dave (Rose) Hammond of Missoula, many cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews. I would also like to acknowledge The Ladies Coffee Group: Judy, Donna, and Rose Marie and thank you for your continued friendship to Mary Ann. And a special thank you to Sharon for being there for my mom every step of the way!

In memory of Mary Ann, you may send donations to: Powell County Booster Club, PO Box 845, Deer Lodge MT 59722.

Funeral Mass will start at 11 am, Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Immaculate Conception Church, 601 Clark Street, Deer Lodge. Interment will take place immediately following Mass at Hillcrest Cemetery, 343 Conley Lake Road, Deer Lodge. A reception will follow interment at St. Mary's Center, Deer Lodge.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home have been privileged to care for Mary and her family.