Nellie B. Ward, of Jim Town Road in Helena, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at the age of 92 at Saint Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.
Nellie was born April 10, 1923 in Willow Creek, Montana to William A. and Phoebe E. (Benjamin) Peterson. She attended school in Willow Creek, graduating as valedictorian of her class in 1941. Nellie and Wallace Ward were married in Harlowton, Montana on April 3, 1948 and had one daughter, Carol Ann. They made their home on the Ward Ranch on Hauser Lake which had been in the Ward family since 1913.
Nellie worked in the accounting departments of Fligelman’s Department Store, Montgomery Ward’s Department Store, and AT&T Telephone Company. Nellie was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed travelling extensively with her husband. She made her decision to serve the Lord at the age of eleven and continued faithful until her death.
Nellie was preceded in death by her husband Wallace, November 1, 2000; her parents; sisters Phoebe Ann Herman, Laura Kramer, and Berta Mary Hulbert; brothers William Benjamin Peterson, James Ross Peterson, and Harding Peterson at infancy; nieces Gladys Marion, Eileen Mingo; nephews Don Kramer, Bill Kramer, and Tye Hulbert; and extended family and many friends.
Nellie is survived by her daughter, Carol (Lee) Dykstra of Helena; nephews Rob (Sara) Hulbert, Melvin & Jack Kramer, and Larry (Lola) Peterson; nieces Patricia (Lewis) Evans, Anita (Lloyd) Fulkner, Rita (Gene) Gross; special great nieces and nephews Cherilyn, Erika, Kevin, and Rodney; and extended family members and friends.
The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to Nellie’s caregivers – Erika Cowser, Savannah Fisher, Mary Goss, Shana McKay, and Kaylee Pronteau. They would also like to give a special thank you to Dr. Mark Kreisberg, Dr. Stephen Mest, Dr. Tristan Seitz, Dr. Donald Skillman, and Dr. Lee Travis for their kindness, attention, and excellent medical care given to Nellie.
Visitation hours will be on Friday, May 8, 2015, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue, Helena. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2015, at 11:00am at the funeral home followed by the burial at Forestvale Cemetery. A reception will be held in the social center of the funeral home immediately following the burial.
Service Schedule
Visitation
Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Friday May 8, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 9, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Saturday May 9, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Saturday May 9, 2015
Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Visitation
Noon to 6:00 p.m.
Friday May 8, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 9, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Immediately following the funeral service
Saturday May 9, 2015
Forestvale Cemetery
Forestvale Road
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately following the burial
Saturday May 9, 2015
Social Center of Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Avenue
Helena, Montana
Amanda Smith says
I was introduced to Nellie via my dad who was a neighbor to her, he plowed her drive in the winter and helped with uptake of the property. She was the sweetest, most kindest lady I have ever met. It was a privilage to have known her.
Liz Hedden says
So sorry for your loss. Nellie was such a sweet lady and I so enjoyed the many visits we had over the years when she came in to where I worked. She was always one of my favorite people.
Jane and Allen Svalstad says
Our thoughts go your way with loving sympathy.