Olga Freida Lavatta

Olga was born to Emilee Andregg and John Jacob Nussbaum on April 9, 1923 in Wabuska, Nevada. She grew up in Pocatello, attending grade school at Bonneville School, and graduating from Pocatello High School in 1941. After high school, she married Wayne Carter and traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana with him while he was stationed there during WWII. While in Lake Charles, she gave birth to their first child, Wayne (Skip) Carter. The family then returned to Pocatello before Wayne was sent overseas and Olga welcomed their daughter, Barbara. Eight years later, they had a second son, James. Following the war, the family moved into a home that Wayne built for them on Washington Ave, and they remained there until after Wayne's tragic death in an airplane crash on March 23, 1963. Olga passed away in her sleep on March 23, 2015.
After Wayne's death, Olga became an LPN and loved rocking the babies in the nursery at Bannock Hospital. She continued working until 1965, when she married Luverne (Speed) LaVatta and moved to his ranch on the Ft. Hall Reservation. Olga and Speed enjoyed traveling and took many wonderful trips with Speed's sister Dorothy and her husband, Karl Bryning. Together they took a Bi-Centennial tour of the East coast, and some years later visited Europe, took a Paddle-Boat trip down the Mississippi River and thoroughly enjoyed a cruise to Alaska. Speed passed away in 2005.

Olga was a vibrant woman, with many interests. She was an avid reader, especially of biographies. At any time you could find a jigsaw puzzle being worked on in her sunroom, and she always had a stash of fabric from which she could make a quilt to give to one of her children or grandchildren. These quilts are in homes across the country, as a reminder of the love she had for each of her children.

Grandchildren were the light of her life. Sean and Dave Harris spent many hours working with Speed on the ranch, roping and branding cattle and moving them to the range in springtime. When the work was done, they were guaranteed a huge meal prepared by Olga. She was so proud of her grandsons, and the men they grew into. Tina Carter, Holly, Nathan and Lindsey Carter each spent time with Grandma Olga playing Gin Rummy, working on jigsaw puzzles and baking cookies. These children all learned unconditional love from their Grandmother. Holidays always included a card, with a handwritten note from Grandma, to let her family know she was thinking about them. Many an Easter egg was hidden under the piano, or found in the kitchen, with a gasp of surprise from Grandma. Christmas was a favorite time for Olga, a time when she decorated her home with over 100 Christmas stockings that she had handmade or collected on her travels. The whole family would gather at Grandma's house on Christmas Eve for food, games and gifts. These are great memories for everyone who took part, and a pattern for how families should celebrate together.

Olga and her best friend, her sister Betty Burback, shared many days and much laughter while "bumming" (which was Olga's code word for shopping a sale). It was not uncommon for them to leave early, and spend the whole day saving money.

Olga was preceded in death by all her siblings, Jack, Bill, Mae, Jimmy and Betty, as well as her parents, and her granddaughter, Jody. Those who found great love from being part of her life are Skip Carter and Shelly Martsch, Barb and Nick Spraker and Jim and Susan Carter, her grandchildren Sean and Lynnette Harris, Dave and Mary Harris, Tina Milutinovics, Holly Carter, Nathan and Amy Carter, and Lindsey and Kayla Krehbiel. Olga adored her great grandchildren as well; Treyton and Hadlee Harris, BreAnn and Bailey Harris, Carter Milutinovics, Ian and Seth Carter, and Jacob and Olivia Krehbiel.

Much appreciation is sent to the staff at Elegant Assisted Living, where Olga lived for the last 5 years. She was loved by every staff member, who each found her a joy to take care of. Even with her fading memory, she remembered to have a kind word and a smile for everyone around her.
A graveside celebration will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 12:30 PM at Mountainview Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00. Arrangements are being made by Wilks Funeral Home of Chubbuck. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Olga's name to a charity of your choice.