Olivia Vitko Vitrachenko, 87, Bismarck and longtime resident of the Benedict area, died Friday, September 24, 2010 in a Bismarck Hospital.

Olivia was born March 29, 1923 at Turtle Lake, ND the daughter of Philip and Martha (Ledin) Fried. She was raised and educated at Turtle Lake and graduated from Turtle Lake High School in 1941. Following her education, she moved to Santa Monica, CA for one year and was employed with Douglas Aircraft.

She returned to North Dakota and was united in marriage to Sam Vitrachenko on January 31, 1944. They made their home in Battle Creek, MI, while he was stationed with the U.S. Army. They returned to North Dakota, where they made their home on a farm in Snake Creek Township near Benedict. They raised small grains and cattle and were later assisted by their son, Leland in the operation of the farm. Sam died July 3, 2005. Following Leland's death on September 7, 2005, she moved to Edgewood Vista in Bismarck.

Olivia was a longtime member of the Benedict Nazarene Church until it closed. She also attended the Sawyer Nazarene Church and was a member of the Southside Nazarene Church in Minot. Olivia took painting lessons and created her artistic work upon porcelain dishes. Her works of art received the Governor's Choice Award by Governor Art Link in the mid-1970's. She also enjoyed gardening, especially at her home in rural, Benedict.

Olivia is survived by her daughter, Diane Vitko, San Diego, CA, along with several nieces & nephews, including, Carol Herringer, Bismarck, and Michael Dobowey, Max and Lorella Donlin of Rapid City, SD.

Olivia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Leland, brothers, Paul & Reinhold, along with her sisters, Ella, Helen & Marguerite.

Funeral service: Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 10:30 a.m in Southside Nazarene Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation : Friday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Southside Nazarene Building fund.