Ruth Marion Nelson

Ruth Marion Johnson Nelson passed peacefully at the Central Montana Nursing Home in Lewistown, MT, where she has resided for the past four years. She was 96 years old.

Ruth was born October 17th, 1925, to Magnus D. Johnson and Mary Ann Anderson Johnson. She was the sixth oldest of seven children. She was born in a cabin on the family homestead outside of Grass Range, MT.

She attended grade school at the Dryland School in Fergus County through the 8th grade and then Grass Range High School. During the winter, she lived in a dormitory in Grass Range and went home on weekends. Ruth graduated from Grass Range High School in 1946. Shortly after graduation, she married Walter Nelson in Lewistown on September 26, 1946. They made their home in Grass Range and had four children, whom they loved very much. They were happily married for over 30 years before Walter’s death in 1978.

Ruth worked at the Grass Range School as the cook for eight years. She also enjoyed caring for her yard and big garden. Her grandchildren adored eating fresh carrots and peas out of her garden and playing together in her beautiful yard, particularly the playhouse in the back of the yard, the old jeep out front, and the barnyard with her horse, chickens, and pigs. Ruth was also a fantastic baker. In the fall, she would make 50 to 75 apple pies from the apples off their trees. Her bread and cinnamon rolls were amazing. In her later years, Ruth enjoyed attending the All-Class Reunions in Grass Range, cruising around Grass Range in her car, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by 4 children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and a very special great-niece, Missy Glidewell of Lewistown, MT: Children: Darlene (George) Eppers of Roundup, MT, Kathy Roten of Grass Range, MT, Lynda (Tom) Delaney of Grass Range, MT, and Glenn (Folly) Nelson of Grass Range, MT. Grandchildren: Kevin (Mollie) Eppers of Juneau, AK, Trevor Roten of Gillette, WY, Kristy (Mark) Reynolds of Billings, MT, Todd Roten of Billings, MT, Tim (Alexandra) Roten of Edmonds, WA, Kami (John) Lamb of Billings, MT, Jared Delaney (Toni) of Park City, MT, Tamsen (Jacob) Craig of Lewistown, MT, Casey (Candice) Delaney of Havre, MT, and Raechel (Colt) Gorrell of Winnett, MT. Great-Grandchildren: Cameron and Kaden Eppers of Juneau, AK; Trenton, Emma, and Megan Lamb of Billings, MT; Cade and Casen Delaney of Havre, MT; and Evy and Jay Gorrell of Winnett, MT.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband Walter, her parents Magnus and Mary Johnson, her siblings Magnus Johnson Jr., Iverene Triepke, Dorothy Larson, Harley Johnson, Thomas Johnson, and Robert Johnson.

The funeral will be held Thursday, September 15 at 11:00am at Cloyd’s Chapel in Lewistown, followed by a luncheon at the Eagles Club in Lewistown. After the luncheon, the burial will be held at the Grass Range Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Grass Range Foundation or the charity of their choice and they may be left with Cloyd Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.