Joan Nelson

Judith “Joan” Nelson of Moore, MT a loving wife and true matriarch of her very large family, passed away peacefully on December 24th, 2024 at the Valle Vista Manor in Lewistown at the age of 86.

Joan was born on September 25th, 1938, in Forest Grove, MT to her parents Herman and Alma (Roane) Peterson. She was the 9th child of 11. Joan was raised mostly in Forest Grove and the Lewistown area while attending school in Lewistown. 

Joan was always a hard-working woman and became a mother at a very young age. She raised her 10 children while working multiple jobs. She found her calling as a caregiver when she started working at Valle Vista in her younger years, which then led to her starting in home care, traveling to people’s homes in need of caregiving. She loved her career so much that she started her own business out of her home in Moore where her big heart and hard work shined for everyone to see. 

In her off time from work, Joan loved spending time with her huge family (especially her grandkids) where her hobbies ranged from gardening to homemaking. Joan was always a very fashionable and classy woman who enjoyed taking pride in upkeeping herself and her home every chance she could get. In having a large family, her family always kept growing as everyone that walked through the door of her home was treated as family. Her home was always bustling with laughter, the smell of good food, and loving care. Joan would never turn down someone in need and would always offer a helping hand in the best way she could. In her selfless ways she was always a great friend and community member that supported many fundraisers and clubs throughout the years. 

Joan is survived by the love of her life, her husband Donald Nelson of Moore. Her children Lawrence (Lumen) Bacon, Joy (Mark) Hertz, Elma (Norm) Peters, Mickey (Tony) Potts, David (Kaushik) Bacon, Tim (Irva) Nelson, Corey (Stephanie) Bacon, William Nelson, son-in-law Jeff Nedens. Her 35 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Sister-in-law Sheila Nelson, many nephews and nieces, and extended family.

She is preceded in death by son Dale Bacon, daughter Julia Nedens, grandkids Mike Thomas, Nick Bacon, great-granddaughter Mercedes Contreras, her parents, and siblings. 

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 11:00 am at Cloyd Funeral Home. Pastor Kimmy Briggs will be officiating. Burial will follow at the Moore Cemetery.

 Arrangements are under the direction of Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com