Iola "Oly" Pierson

Iola “Oly” Pierson of Belt, Montana, was born on February 4, 1940. She passed away peacefully at Peace Hospice in Great Falls surrounded by her loved ones on Oct 30, 2022.

Born in Circle, Montana to parents Francis Marvin Curtiss and Christine Anna (Burger) Curtiss, Iola was the youngest daughter of 6 Children. She was raised and attended grade school and high school in Circle. Following Graduation, she moved to Billings. There she became what most considered to be the best beautician in town. A very fun-loving and outgoing person, Oly changed her hairstyle and hair color with the holidays.

In 1966 she married the love of her life, Pat Pierson, and they raised their two boys, Doug and Kevin, in Arizona and Montana. They were married until his death in 2017.

In 1981 Pat and Iola purchased Strobel’s Rentals and dedicated their lives to that business and others until their full retirement in 2001.

Iola and Pat traveled all over the United States in various motorhomes, especially enjoying Yuma, Arizona. They finally purchased a home in Casa Grande, Arizona where they spent the remaining winters of their retirement.

Always kind and considerate, Iola was the favorite Auntie of most of her nieces and nephews. An important friend and mentor, Iola was also a very devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to all of her family and even to some who just called her mom, mamma, and mum.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Mark, Du Waine, and Lavern; as well as her husband, Patrick Pierson. Iola is survived by her brother, Vance (Peggy) Curtiss; and sister, Eunice (Frank) Southern; as well as her two sons, Douglas (Mary) Pierson and Kevin (Darla Stanton) Pierson. Iola was blessed with grandchildren, Dane (Brittney) Turville, Sidnee (Travis) Hodgson, Andreya (Tyler) Han, Hannah (Vic) Salinas, Ashley (Jake) Gauer, Nisha (Andrew) Cuccia, Austin (Makenzie Story-Butterfield) Pierson, and Devanie (Cody) Bautista; and great-grandchildren, Huck, Nash, Corbin, Easten, Everlee, McCoy, Emmett, Bella, Rhaegan, Georgia, Karter, Hudson, Grayson, and Patrick.

There will be a celebration of life at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Monday, November 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.

She will be forever missed and loved.