Marilyn Olson

Marilyn (Mast) Olson 9/22/46-4/13/21

Marilyn, a Colorado native who spent most of her life in Grand Junction, attended Lincoln Park Elementary, Grand Junction Jr. High and Grand Junction High School, and was the second of four generations of Tigers! Her parents were Eugene and Pauline (Martin) Mast, both deceased and both from Grand Junction. Marilyn enjoyed skiing and playing the flute and piccolo in the Tiger Pride Marching band and loved remembering the trip to New York and DC where she played the piccolo solo in the Stars and Stripes Forever march on the steps of the capital.

After high school, Marilyn married Dean Davis and had daughters, Heather (Davis) Flick and Kim Davis. She later married her husband of almost 50 years, Pat Olson: son, Ian Olson (deceased). She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in social work and moved back to GJ to be near family.

As Marilyn and Pat settled in Grand Junction, they became involved in family, supporting their kids, and later grandchildren. Marilyn enjoyed spending time with friends, playing bridge and bowling. Marilyn loved living in the historical district on North 7th Street and continued to live in her family home, The Martin House, until her death. Throughout the years, you could find her beautifying and decorating the medians along 7th Street with flags and flowers. Friends and neighbors even had their own 4th of July parades for a few years.

When most folks retired, Marilyn and Pat decided to take over Papa Kelsey’s Pizza and Subs from their son Ian. Regulars enjoyed the family atmosphere and visits with Marilyn. She adopted her employees as her own children. When she made deliveries, folks knew their meal was arriving as she rounded the corner in her Mini Cooper.

Marilyn’s great joy later in life was celebrating the lives of her grandchildren. Kolton and Kassidy Flick (Heather and Troy) and Parker and Riley Davis-McDougal (Kim Davis and Mo McDougal). Birthdays and celebrations included everyone, involved lots of food, games, laughter and “singing.” Just ask anyone who was around about our amazing family birthday singing.

Throughout her life, Marilyn maintained friendships with her classmates from high school and the many avenues of her life. She will be missed by all that knew her. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the GJHS Music Department and feel free to share stories with Pat. A celebration will be held in the summer when we can gather outside.