Obituary - Barbara Diane (Olson) Richardson

Barbara Diane (Olson) Richardson of Big Sandy, 62, went on her journey Friday, June 26, 2020, at Big Sandy Medical Center, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, July 24, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at the Highland Cemetery. Following the graveside service, there will be a gathering at Pepin Park.

Holland and Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Barbara's online memorial page at http://www.hollandbonine.com, and leave a message of condolences to her family.

Barbara Diane (Olson) Richardson was born on May 14, 1958 to Roy and Joyce (McCutcheon) Olson in Havre, MT. She was raised in Havre and graduated from Havre High School in 1976. Growing up, she was active in Girl Scouts and a member of Rainbow Girls, she loved and had a passion for horses - her horse's name was Diamond - she loved all animals.

After graduation, she went to work for the Montana Highway Department in Chester. She was one of the first females to work for road construction.

She then met James Syverson from Edgeley, ND, whom she married in 1977. Shortly after their marriage, their daughter Tara was born. They later divorced in 1986.

She raised Miniature Collies (Sheltie) dogs, for show with The Westminster Kennel Club, which she did for many years, and won several awards.

Barbara also worked for her father at Olson Glass as a secretary. She also helped in the shop building and installing windows and had a desire and talent to make stained glass.

She remarried LeRoy Richardson in 1987, whom she met while working in Big Sandy.

When the Highway Department was improving Highway 87 from Havre to Big Sandy, she ran the weigh scale. After the highway was completed, Barbara applied at Big Sandy Medical Center and began working in the Environmental Department. She became the head of that department.

She took classes to become a CNA. She found that she had a compassion for helping people, that made her feel rewarding. She furthered her passion and worked for the Big Sandy Activity Center, caring for the mentally challenged and disabled.

She was a cook for the IX Ranch for Steve Roth and ranch hands. Sadly, her all-around careers ended when her scoliosis rendered her ability. In 1994, she was diagnosed with cancer, she fought it and was in remission for several years, for it to only return years later.

Unable to work, she used her talents and creativity in making jewelry. She designed necklaces and bracelets. She was an accomplished artist in sewing, making clothes, cross-stitching with various designs and familiar scenes from around the Hi-Line.

She loved to bake for family, friends and neighbors to enjoy. She loved to plant flowers and to receive them.

She loved spending time and doing things with her grandchildren. They were her prized possessions.

She had a huge heart, a gift from the heavens, that one-in-a-million lady, she had a loving and compassionate soul, she lived her life to the fullest. She will be truly missed by family and friends, especially her husband, her daughter and grandchildren.

Barbara was proceeded in death by her parents, Roy and Joyce Olson, Aunt Hazel (McCutcheon) Olson; great-grandparents Robert and Adeline McCutcheon nd Andrew and Maria Olson.

She is survived by her husband, LeRoy Richardson of Big Sandy; MT; daughter, Tara Syverson of Big Sandy, MT; sister Karen (Richard) Costa of Fresno, CA; nieces and nephews of Fresno, CA; brother, Robert Olson of Great Falls; and grandchildren Jason Apodaca of Austin, TX, Abagayle Syverson and Andreas Syverson of Big Sandy, MT.