Janice Olson-Ritchotte, 90, a longtime resident of Drayton, ND, passed away on July 23, 2025, at Valley Senior Living in Grand Forks, ND.
Janice Elaine Wicks was born to Gladys Olson on March 29, 1935, in Grafton, ND. Jan grew up living and going to school in Drayton, ND.
She later attended night school in Grafton and obtained her GED.
On July 2, 1955, Jan married Irvin Olson. Together, they had four children, Cindy, Gary, Clarice, and Charles (Chip). Unfortunately, Irvin passed away in January of 1991.
Throughout the years, Jan worked many odd jobs to help provide for her family. In her spare time, she liked to crochet, knit, embroider, and garden. She enjoyed having coffee with friends, and she loved bingo. She was a member of the Lutheran church and was involved in the church choir and the Ladies Aid -- at one point being the president.
She remained involved in the community throughout her years in Drayton.
Janice was preceded in death by her husbands, Irvin Olson and Louis Ritchotte; parents; four brothers; and a granddaughter, Amber Rose Olson.
She is survived by her four children, Cindy (Clayton) Bronson, Gary (Connie) Olson, Clarice (Brian) Karboviak, and Charles Olson; ten grandchildren, Ashley (Jon), Tyler (Jess), Blake (Mary), Garrett (Gabby), Cherise, Caity (Cris), Josh, Kelton (Mary), Baylie (Conner), and Liam; 15 greatgrandchildren, Brooklyn, Miranda, Stella, Sawyer, Jerycho, Levi, Trenten, Keegan, Hartlie, Gentry, Hudson, Ellie, Olivia, Isaac, and baby Cottington due in November; sister, Audrey (Blair), sister-in-law, Mary; and many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service for Janice was held Monday, July 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Drayton United Methodist Church. Visitation was held at the church for an hour before the service. Interment was in Drayton Cemetery. Following the burial, the family invited everyone to Tisdale Manor for a lunch and social hour. Arrangements by Austin Funeral Chapel, Drayton.