Joni Olson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 23, 2025. She began her journey on December 4, 1954 in an Army hospital in San Francisco, California to her loving parents, Bob and Shirley Adkins. They moved to Sweet Home, Oregon shortly after, where they were joined by her sister Kathy two years later. The family moved to Boise, Idaho where she started school and lived until she was twelve. The family then moved to the wilds of Helena, Montana.

Joni married Brice Boedecker on December 15, 1972.  Brice served in the Navy, so they lived in California and later moved to Glendive, MT and then back to Helena. They had two sons together, but later divorced. She married Gene Olson and was with him until 2010.

Joni was the sun, moon, and stars all rolled into one. She was vibrant, kind, and loved all the little things in life. Joni could strike up a conversation with any stranger she met and easily made friends along the way. Her caring nature shined through in the care for her patients as a CNA and the many hats she had at the Masonic Home caring for the residents. Joni also loved animals and was an avid pet owner of many dogs and cats in her lifetime. If there was an animal to love or pet, she would be the first to volunteer.

Family was everything to Joni. She enjoyed spending time with her mom, sister, brother in law, nieces, and nephew. The Adkins family gatherings were the highlight of her holidays. The biggest enjoyment and loves in Joni's life were her two sons, Brandon and Chad, and later her daughter in law, Sandra, and grandbabies, Bridger, Macy, and Sadie. She was the best grandma and loved having tea parties, playing dress up, and reading stories. As a proud grandma, she made as many sporting events as she could to watch her grandkids, cheering loudly on the sidelines. The love she had for them was priceless to her.

Joni was preceded in death by her father, Bob Adkins. She is survived by her mother, Shirley Adkins, sons Brandon Boedecker and Chad (Sandra) Boedecker, and three grandchildren, Bridger, Macy, and Sadie, sister Kathy (Larry) Moore, nieces Becky and Lori, and nephew Brian, and numerous cousins and family who loved her.

Joni's kind and caring heart will live on in her children, grandkids, and all those lives she touched along the way. Rest in peace and fly high Joni, until we all meet again.

Cremation is pending and a close family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donate to the Humane Society or the Masonic Home in Helena.

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