Frances Elen (Haskins) Olson

     Frances Elen Olson, 81, of Cascade, Idaho passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, August 9, 2018 after a four year battle with cancer. Frances was born on December 13, 1937 in Caldwell, Idaho to Obie Leroy and Lottie Viola (Buffington) Haskins. Frances spent all of her youth and most of her adult life in Cascade. Frances attended K-12 at the Cascade School as well as did all her children. In 1952 the love of her life Thomas N. Olson moved to town.  In March of 1956 (their senior year) Tom and Frances snuck off to Lovelock, Nevada and got married. When they returned home to Cascade they each went home like nothing happened and kept it a secret from family and friends until after they graduated. Later that year the first of five children was born – a son Tammy followed by daughters Tronnie and Rorie and sons Tom Jr. and Tobie.  After graduation Tom worked for J.I. Morgan and they lived in New Meadows for a couple years before settling back in Cascade. Upon returning to Cascade the two built their forever home where they spent over 60 years together raising their family. Frances raised kids while working as a swim instructor, where she shared her love to swim, teaching the community children.  She spent time helping at the hospital, worked part time at the Boise Cascade Mill and remained active in the electoral committee until recent years. In 1979 Tom and Frances started their own business Olson’s Excavating and for 35 years she was the secretary and chief bottle washer. Most of the crew knew her as “Gram” and the only trouble at work scarier than having to answering to Tom in the field was having to answer to “Gram” in the office. In 2004 Tom and Frances retired and sold the business to Tobie. After retiring they spent time together around Cascade in the summers and traveled to Arizona during the winters to enjoy time with old friends and new acquaintances.  Frances lived her entire life with her focus on her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend to all that knew her. She always stood firm for what she believed. Frances never knew a stranger. Her home and kitchen was open day or night to anyone that needed it. She loved to cook and have her family near.  She loved music and did not always stick to singing in the shower. It was no surprise to find her humming or singing along to a tune in the grocery store or yodeling in the kitchen to entertain the kids or grandkids while she prepared a meal. Frances gave a whole new meaning to…

Dance as though no one is watching

Love as though you have never loved before

Sing as though no one can hear you

Live as though heaven is on earth

     Frances truly loved life and her family and had a strong religious belief that carried her through. Frances was so much to so many; her legacy will live forever.  She will be greatly missed by all of those that had the pleasure to know this truly amazing woman.

     Frances is survived by husband Tom Sr., children Rorie, Tom Jr., and Tobie; 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Obie and Lottie, son Tammy, daughter Tronnie, and brothers Jessie, Albert, and Roy.

     A Memorial Service to celebrate her life will be held Saturday August 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at American Legion Hall located at 105 E Mill Street, Cascade, Idaho with a potluck to follow.

     If desired, you may leave a note or message for Frances’ family at www.mccallfunerals.com

     Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home, McCall.

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