Vada M. Jimmerson

Vada Mae Jimmerson 83, of Lewistown, went to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, February 3, 2021. She had been staying in an assisted living for the past six months in Western Montana close to her daughters. Vada was born in Rockford, Illinois on May 16, 1937 the daughter of Harry and Bessie (McPherson) Ferdinand. Her family moved to California for a short time before relocating to Lewistown when Vada was about six years old. Vada was a lifelong resident of Lewistown. She will be missed by many loved ones and friends.

Vada was very active at First Christian Church of Lewistown, making her famous raspberry pretzel salad for potluck dinner, serving on the mission board at the church and also teaching Sunday School for many years.   Her gift of hospitality was a blessing to many missionaries and others with whom she opened her home to in the community on many occasions. Whether she was hosting countless family meals, baking candy and other goodies for Christmas to give to others, or baking cinnamon rolls for special treats for her loved ones, Vada spent her life serving others through her gift of food and fellowship.

She and her husband Jerry were also very active at Central Montana Council on Aging; they delivered meals and Vada served as hostess for many years, doing anything from setting up tables to training new volunteers. Jerry and Vada served on the board for Central Montana Memorial Gardens for about 28 years. They played an instrumental role in moving the cemetery into financial stability and Vada served as secretary as well. A helpmate to her husband, Vada loved to go with him when he played with the Kitchen Band and Ole Duffers at nursing homes in the area. Vada later started playing with the band which she also enjoyed. She loved a good visit with friends and family.

Vada also liked sports; she and Jerry would attend many ball games in the area. The day before she passed away, she was watching a rodeo on the TV. While growing up, Vada played baseball with her brothers and always loved her family.

Vada is survived by her brother Duane (Donna) Ferdinand of Lewistown; her dear friend and neighbor Randy Peterson; her children Bill (Bonnie) Shammel of Hemingford, Nebraska; Vivian Shammel of Billings; Maxine (Ned) Kent of St. Ignatius; Audrey Larsson of St. Ignatius; Lyle Shammel of Colorado Springs; Geraldine Branstetter of Bozeman; Gary (Carol) Jimmerson of Great Falls; Bill (Molly) Jimmerson of Bozeman; Jack (Marlene) Jimmerson of Cincinnati; and Nancy (Pat) Felke of Arlington, Washington. She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews of whom she dearly loved.

Vada was preceded in death by her husband Jerry Jimmerson; her mother and father, Harry and Bessie Ferdinand; her grandson, Robert Paul Brown II; her sister-in-law Carlita Ferdinand Davidson; her brothers Adelbert Ferdinand and Gerald Ferdinand; and son-in-laws Larry Branstetter and Jon Larsson; and her first husband Vernon Shammel.

Funeral Services for Vada Jimmerson will be on Wednesday, February 10^th, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Lewistown with committal to follow at Central Montana Memorial Gardens. The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends are asked to make memorials to Central Montana Memorial Gardens or the charity of their choice and they may be left with the Cloyd Funeral Home. Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.