Sherron A. Massman, née Folkvord 1940 – 2021
Sherron Massman, age 80 of Helena, Rosary Beads in hand, passed away peacefully at her home on February 16th, 2021. Sherron was born in Heron, MT to Haakon “Swede” and Lillian (LaMotte) Folkvord. The daughter of a Norwegian immigrant and an eastern Montana homestead family, she was extremely proud of both her Norwegian and Montana heritage. As the Fort Peck Dam “New Deal” project drew to a close, the family relocated to Heron. War time contributions led the family to the shipyards in Vancouver, WA but eventually the Folkvords’ settled in the Helena valley where Sherron became a valued community member for nearly seventy years.
During her teenage years, she worked at Helena’s nostalgic Fligelman’s Department store and graduated from Helena High school in 1958. Shortly thereafter she met an Airman from Alabama stationed at Malmstrom AFB, Billy G. Spivey. The two married and had four children: Brenda Spivey (husband John Richards), Janet (Spivey) Kleist, Brett Spivey, Ferrin Spivey (Claire Francoeur); grandchildren Jason Kleist, Adam Kleist, Sherron (Kleist) Burbank, Lauren “Alex” Spivey, Anna Spivey; and numerous great-grandchildren.
As life often does, it leads most of us in different directions, so too for Sherron. She met and married Hubert J. Massman, a Helena Attorney and World War II Veteran. With the bond of a second marriage came a significant increase to the family size. Sherron’s step-children include Joe Massman (wife Carol), Paige (Massman) Brodsky (husband Richard), Shelley Massman, Larry Massman, George Massman, Brian Massman (wife Denise), Frank Massman (wife Beth), Ray Massman (wife Janette). Additionally, Hugh and Sherron raised a daughter together; Kara (Massman) Hicks (husband Jay); grandchildren Jennifer, Joe, Emilyn, Willie, Osa, Jake, Natasha, Tambre, Alexis, Nathan, Kio, Kirsty, Linsey, Harper, Jackson and numerous great-grandchildren.
Sherron was proceeded in death by her husband Hugh Massman, her brother Dale Folkvord, her sister Shirley (Folkvord) Mannix, her half-brother Harry Smick, and her daughter Janet Marie (Spivey) Kleist.
Sherron, a true champion of the human spirit, engaged in numerous community organizations over the years to include God’s Love, the Florence Crittenton Home, Food Share, the Friendship Center, the Bargain Basement of St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral, Kiwanis and the local P.E.O Chapter. Additionally, Sherron served on the Wells Fargo Board, the United Way Board, the Civic Center Board, and the Western Art Rendezvous Board. She dedicated thirty-five years to Helena Housing Authority where her steadfast efforts eventually led to being selected Executive Director. She was relentless in advocating for the disadvantaged, disenfranchised, elderly, and brokering affordable family housing to city residents. She will be remembered locally for her profoundly positive affect on many Helena families. For her tireless efforts she was recognized multiple times by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Her greatest professional gratification was the dedication of Sherron Park in her namesake.
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, memorial services will be postponed till summer at Sherron Park on Billings Avenue in Helena. Memorials in Sherron’s name are suggested to God’s Love shelter or any of the community organizations listed above. Random acts of kindness and community engagement also come highly recommended from the family.
Ed McKnight, Kuna, Idaho says
I was a member of the Helena Housing Authority Board during the time Sherron was the Director. She was one of the most capable and nicest people I ever knew. Rest In Peace Sherron.
Paige Massman Brodsky says
Sherron always called me her daughter , that was ok but were really good friends. She was great to my father in his waning years . She was incredibly supportive to me over the years. I will miss her sparkling eyes and friendly advice. God Speed
Tambre says
Sherron was my first teacher of the truth that family and love aren’t dictated by blood. I wish I could sip a cup of decaf in her kitchen just one more time. ❤️
Connie Waterman says
Connie Waterman
My friendship with Sherron goes back many years. She was always very civic minded, working for years as Director of Helen Housing Authority. She made it her mission to be sure there would be affordable , decent housing for the less privileged. She served on many boards, always looking after the best interests of that segment of the population unable to speak up for themselves. She was an all around like@ble person, fun to be with and an avid bridge player. It would be better world if there were more people like Sherron .
Shellie Blakely says
I was blessed with the privilege of being one of Sherron’s caregivers for the last year and a half. I would get so excited when I got to go to her place. Almost like a little kid going to a candy store. I loved her like we were long lost family members. I recently lost my mom and I truly looked up to her as a mom. As a matter of fact a few days prior to her passing I was holding her hand talking and just like my mom she said “Shellie u need some lotion on ur hands” as the great wise mother that she is, she told me how to take care of them. Connie I agree with u we need more Sherron’s in this world. I feel like there is another hole in my heart . I’m so heartbroken she’s gone and in the same sentence I’m happy shes not suffering anymore. I pray for peace and strength for her family as she will be dearly missed by all.
Donna Finstad says
Sherron and I always felt that we were related, somehow, through the Finstads and Folkvords. In high school, we would great each other with “Hi, Cous(in)” when we passed in the hallways. My mother finger curled her grandma Lillian’s hair when she married Swede Folkvord. My father worked on the Fort Peck dam…I think the wedding was near there. I have fond memories of her pretty smile and graceful manner. I left Helena in 1959…..I’m sure that she was in my Helena High School class…..after that, we seldom saw each other. Peace to you, Sherron.
Margaret Woo says
Sherron was a role model for me, for all the volunteer work she did. I wanted to emulate her, but I couldn’t keep up! I was so glad we got to serve on a board together. She was like family to me. Rest in peace dear Sherron.
Karen Stiefel says
So sorry to hear of Sherrons passing. She was a good friend and neighbor and we loved going out for lunches and dinners. Rest in peace dear friend.
Char Maharg says
I am sad to read of Sherron’s passing. We shared time raising a couple of our kids. I have many fond memories of those days and more recently playing bridge and catching up. Rest In Peace Sherron. My thoughts are with your family.
JoAnne Sherwood says
I first met Sherron through a political campaign we co-chaired together. We both were proud Democrats and became friends. Sherron encouraged me to learn bridge and provided me the opportunity to play and learn with she and her friends Connie and Billie and later Art. Every Friday for years, we met, usually at her home to play cards, have treats, and kibitz about everything. We were members of the same bookclub too which gave us even more to talk about. Sherron and I were like minded and she called me a kindred spirit. She taught me the true meaning of grace under duress in the passing of her beloved daughter Janet. This past year was so hard because we couldn’t get together in person and her health was declining. I am so sorry not to have been able to get together one more time for Dive Cookies, cards, and conversation. Sherron, you were simply the best and I was so lucky to have had you in my life.
Darla Fitzpatrick says
Oh, this is sad. I served on the United Way board with Sherron and later volunteered on a political campaign with her. She was a lovely and level-headed lady who was a good mentor to a younger, female board member like myself. My condolences to her family and friends. Helena has lost a great advocate for all types of causes.
Jay Hicks says
I first met Sherron in late 2001, traveled out from Virginia with her daughter Kara to meet the lady that two short years later would become my mother in law. I immediately found a warm, welcoming and funny lady, she made it easy to feel at ease, that’s a wonderful trait to have. As the next two decades sped past, the visits weren’t nearly as common as we would’ve liked, life often gets in the way, but she was always there, a true comfort to Kara & I both. We’re blessed we were able to make it out late last year during these strange times and that she was able to spend time with her grandkids and they with their Grandma, the many photos taken and memories made will further provide comfort as life inevitably continues on. Of the many things that’ll be missed about Sherron, mine personally will be our political discussions, always robust but never mean spirited, our only commonality was that we both thought we were right. 😂. God speed Sherron . Rest easy.
Jean Brekke says
What a sweet, classy and wonderful person. I spent a lot of time at Sherron and Hugh’s home up on Stuart street. Her daughter Janet was a good friend of mine and they were like a second family to me. I learned to water ski and cross country ski with this family. I loved going to the Gates of the Mountains and getting on their boat. I spent many happy times baking, having sleepovers and playing games with Janet in their home. I have many fond memories of Sherron and my sweet friend Janet. I’m glad they’re together again💕
Jeff Beck says
Dear Spivey/Massman Families,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
shirley herrin says
Sherron and I go back clear to high school – I was a year ahead of her – graduated in 1957 – I remember our one big adventure was to plan a dance at the “Little Red School House” in the Valley. A lot of my family ancestors had gone there when they were kids. One thing that was needed was we had to have a Chaperone – so my Mom and Dad’s friend who was a policeman, Tom Surman, agreed to come for us. Our lives came back together when her sister Shirley built a house across the street from me in the valley. Shirley and I raised our little ones together. And I was happy to keep in touch with Sherron. Then when Shirley passed away I was so glad that Sherron and Hugh took her daughter Kara and raised her. Every time we met we promised luncheon together – and I will always regret that I never took the time to make that happen – I loved her Mom and Dad – her brother Dale and sister Shirley and will always cherish the time that Sherron and I did spend together in our lifetime and know that we will spend eternity together. She was a beautiful lady – both inside and out.
Pamela Scott says
Dear Brenda and Family,
I am very so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom!
It was just under a year ago, you & I ran into each other. It sounded like things were going o.k. Please keep in touch with me when the celebration will be. I do not want to miss it.
Sharon and my mom were great friends over the years. They can now sit & chat like they used to!
God Bless all of you!!!
Pam Scott
Tracie Reddig says
Dear Family of Sherron ! So sorry for your loss ! She sure was a wonderful person!
I met her years ago at Dr. Becks dental office . I was her hygienist for many years and was always happy to see her on my schedule. I enjoyed all her stories over the years about her Big Family and all the places she had been and worked/ volunteered at ! What an amazing person and life she lived ! RIP miss Sherron! ♥️
john ilgenfritz says
Sharron’s obit and the many comments above illustrated her selfless devotion to the economically challenged in our community. Over the past few years, I reconnected with Sharron via weekly visits to the Bargain Basement. It provided an opportunity to reminisce about the good old days and projects we both cherished.
Sharron had a great sense of humor and was always up to speed on the “doings” in Helena and our country. I have missed seeing her over the previous few months due to the pandemic and her declining health.
God speed, Sharron and condolences to family and friends. We will miss her, but thank goodness she was a part of our lives and community.
Curt Synness says
Sherron was by boss at Helena Housing Authority for the first 15 of the 27 years (off and on) I worked there. She told me a great story of how my grandfather Otis, who was the ditch-rider in the Helena Valley, would schedule his lunch-hour to spend at the Folkvord Ranch, since as fellow Norwegians her parents always offered him a glass of whiskey. Anyway, what a great lady she was.