Melva Olson, age 73, of Underwood, ND passed away on Thursday, April 28 at Sanford Health in Bismarck, ND. As per her request, there will not be any services. She was put in God's hands by the Chaplain at the hospital.

Melva was born on July 8th, 1948 in Breckinridge, MN, a daughter to her parents, Melvin and Florence (Decker) Else.  She grew up in Milnor, where she made countless memories. A favorite one was when she played her french horn in the First Governor's Band and they marched for 5 miles in Mason City, Iowa. After graduating in 1966, Melva attended Valley City State and worked at JCPenneys at the same time.

In April of 1968, she got married to her husband, Colin Olson. Together they had 3 children, Heidi, Holly, and Kevin. They divorced after 30 years. During this time, Melva worked at several local businesses including Heaven Scent Floral, Prairie View Nursing Home, and Club 83. She devoted her life to her kids and was beyond thrilled when the grandchildren and great - grandchildren started to arrive, she was over the moon in love and her heart was overflowing!

Her love was strong and deep and she always made you feel safe and protected. You could never ask for a more loyal, thoughtful, and helpful friend. All of her grandchildren and neighborhoods' kids lovingly called her "VaVa"! Melva was extremely compassionate to both people and animals. She was so loved by so many and will be missed beyond all measure. We will miss her smile, her wisdom, her presence, but most of all, her love. Thanks be to God for the time that we were blessed to have her here on earth with us! We will love and miss her for the rest of our lives, but are grateful for all of the memories. You will always be my best friend, Mom!!

Melva is survived by her loving daughter, Holly Olson of Underwood/Coleharbor; 6 grandchildren, Brennan (Britney Roberts) Hanna of Bismarck , ND; Braydon (Mariah Neff) Olson and Beaudon "Bodie" Olson of Bismarck, ND; Taylor Olson of Los Angeles, CA; Hannah Olson & Hunter Olson of Arden Hills, MN; and 2 great grandchildren; Lewis Scott of Los Angeles, CA; and Darwin Hanna of Bismarck, ND; one brother, Ron (Deanne) Else of Flower Mound, TX and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Heidi Hanna; son, Kevin Olson; her parents, Melvin & Florence (Decker) Else and brother, Dale Else.