On October 14, 2024 our dear Lainy passed on after a long struggle with health issues. Throughout the years Lainy never complained. She faced her adversities with grace and courage.
She said there were many people who were worse off than she was. She always shared this quote: “I complained about my shoes until I met a man with no feet.”
Lainy was born in Butte, Montana on October 18, 1941 to Alice and George Olson. She attended Butte Schools and graduated from Butte High School in 1959, where she earned an award for her shorthand skills.
She then worked as a secretary for the Burgess Realty, and later worked for McKee Printing.
After being introduced by a friend who thought they’d make a good couple, Lainy and John married on December 22, 1961 and spent 49 years together. They lived in Butte for a number of years until they bought lakeside property complete with rental cabins on Ennis Lake in 1974. They enjoyed the people who came there and the peace and tranquility of the natural surroundings including the wildlife. Lainy loved animals, especially cats.
They eventually sold the property but lived there until John passed in 2010. Lainy then returned to Butte to be close to family.
She was an avid reader and loved to do word search puzzles and play games.
Much of her time was spent with family and she was very loved by all. She had such a gentle and kind disposition.
The people who knew her referred to her as “the sweet little lady who gave hugs.”
Lainy was preceded in death by her parents Alice and George Olson, her sister Ellen Sheive, and her husband John Jordan.
She is survived by a number of nieces and nephews including: Connie and Ted Jorstad (Spokane, WA), Karri Castle (Portland, OR), Lori Castle (Las Vegas, NV), and Bobby Castle (Sacramento, CA) .
She is also survived by numerous cousins including: John and Linda Douglas (Butte, MT), Sheri Meigs (Tacoma, WA), Alan Lince (Silver Star, MT), Jerry and Esther Lince (Cardwell, MT), Greg and Tona Sadoski (Dillon, MT), Jackie Hancock (Salt Lake City, UT), Pat Durnford (Butte, MT), and David and Carol Durnford (Missoula, MT).
In addition she is survived by her brother-in-law and sister in-law Doc and Cookie Jordan and the Jordan family.
A celebration of life for Lainy will be held at the East Side Athletic Club on November 30, 2024 at 2:00 P.M.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Lainy and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or share a memory of Lainy.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 PM
Saturday November 30, 2024
East Side Athletic Club
3100 Dexter St
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
2:00 PM
Saturday November 30, 2024
East Side Athletic Club
3100 Dexter St
Butte, Montana 59701
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Joy's daughter, Colleen says
Sweet Lainy,
You’ve been one of my mother’s best friends from fifth grade through high school and throughout her adult life. I cherish the memories of you visiting my mom when she came to see me, hearing the two of you laugh while playing fierce games of Yahtzee and Gin Rummy. I will forever see you smiling. You were adorable in your pedal pushers, sporty shoes, and your hair tucked neatly under a triangular head scarf. You had a quiet calmness that was soothing to those around you. I will forever hold you close to my heart. I will miss you, my dearly loved, lovely lavender lilac Lainy.
Sheri Meigs says
My dear sweet cousin. I admired her greatly for her strength, courage & grace. Always kind, always grateful. She endured many hardships, but was continually delighted with simple things. She is a treasure in our hearts.
Veralee Jordan says
I have many fond memories from my childhood with Elaine, including playing games and walking to the neighborhood store near their Calidonia street home. I often think of seeing her cruising around town in her purple Baricuda with the license plates that read “fish.”
Thank you to John and Linda for taking such good care of Elaine through the years and for keeping her on the go.