Betty Anne Olson, 94

Betty Anne Olson, 94, of Silverton, Idaho, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away Nov. 12, 2023, at Silverton Health and Rehabilitation of Cascadia in Silverton, Idaho. Betty was born Dec. 10, 1928, in Havre, Mont., a daughter of Brady McNeil and Lerlan (Winthrow) McNeil. 

Betty’s family moved to St. Maries, Idaho, where she graduated from high school. She married Layton Gallagher in 1949 and the couple ran the City Club in St. Maries. The couple later divorced. Betty moved to the Silver Valley in 1962, where she worked many jobs, including Tabor’s and Western Auto in Wallace. Betty and her second husband, Virgil Olson, owned and operated the Y Tavern in Prichard, Idaho. She moved to Mesquite, Nev., where she lived for a number of years and worked at a gift and dress shop at the Oasis Casino. In 2011, Betty moved back to the Silver Valley. 

She was a member of both the St. Maries and Wallace Eagles, as well as a member of the Eagles Auxiliary. Betty enjoyed gambling, sewing, traveling all over, cooking and reading. 

In addition to her parents, first husband Layton Gallagher and second husband Virgil Olson, Betty is preceded in death by her son, Terry Gallagher; sister Lila Andrus; two brothers, Wayne McNeil and Merton McNeil; and three step-children, Irene Olson, Keith Olson and Kenny Olson. 

Survivors include her son, Neil (Dianna) Gallagher of Silverton, Idaho; two grandchildren, Shawn (Pam) Gallagher of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and Brady (Lydia) Gallagher of Clark Fork, Idaho; two great-grandchildren, Layton Gallagher and Dylan Gallagher; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

A celebration of her life is being planned for a later date. 

Memories of Betty and messages of condolence may be shared with her family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg, is assisting Betty’s family with arrangements.