Elsie Ann Nelson

Elsie Ann Rebich Nelson, a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on September 11, 2025 in Missoula MT. In her final days she was comforted by family and passed with them by her side.

Elsie was born on October 29,1935 in Dillon MT, to parents John H Rebich and Mary E Rebich. She spent her early years on the family ranch where she developed a life long passion for the ranching way of life. She loved taking care of the animals and particularly the horses. She had a favorite horse, Patch, that she would gallop down the lane to pick up the daily mail. One day a boy from town, Gene Nelson, accompanied his mother on the motor mail route. Gene loved to tell the story of how he watched a little girl on a big black horse ride up the lane to greet them. Years later Gene would ask that same girl to the high school dance.

Elsie graduated from Beaverhead High School and furthered her education with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Montana. She began a teaching career in the Spokane WA school district.

Elsie married her high school sweetheart Ernest "Gene" Nelson on June 13, 1959 in Dillon MT. The newly married couple then began their married life in Alaska. In following Gene's career, the Nelson family lived in Alaska, California, Nevada and eventually settled in Missoula MT to raise their family.

She had a lifelong interest in horses and continued to develop her horsemanship with breeding and training quarter horses, western pleasure showings and halter led showings. In her 60's, she took cow cutting lessons with her horse Twist. She spent many enjoyable hours at her "horse farm" outside of Missoula MT.

Elsie was a quiet artist, painting and crafting for her own enjoyment. She worked with acrylics and watercolors. She designed and sewed her own clothes. She tried all different forms of crafts. Elsie was a cub scout den mother, a classroom parent, and a great cheerleader for her children's involvement in sports and activities. She truly enjoyed hosting family holiday gatherings and dinners. Often the dinner table, set with her fine china, would take up the entire front room and dining room.

Elsie said her greatest achievement in life was her family. She was so proud of and dearly loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her legacy will live on through the strong values, unity and love that she and Gene instilled in their family.

Elsie was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Eugene Nelson, and her parents John Henry Rebich and Mary Evelyn Stefonic, and her siblings John George Rebich, Walter Thomas Rebich, Ann Mary Rebich, Mary Elizabeth Evatz, William Rebich, Raymond Stephen Rebich, Henry Nicholas Rebich, Daniel Edward Rebich. She is survived by her sister, Bernadine Mary Featherly of Shelton, WA. Children Dirk Eugene Nelson (Norlynn Marie Bruce) of Helena, Julie Ann Fagenstrom (Steve Thor Fagenstrom) of Great Falls, Rodney John Nelson (Christine Marie Compson) of Billings, and Erik Andrew Nelson (Susan Jane Cox) of Condon. Grandchildren are Jonathan Eugene Nelson (Jazmin Sophia Rivers), Sonja Marie Rulon (Wayne Rockford Rulon), Lynnea Elizabeth Hacker (Clayton Lee Hacker), Daniel Bernard Fagenstrom, Michelle Ann Fagenstrom (Cody Marden Roy Thompson), Tanner William Nelson (Janna Renae Kerk), Logan John Nelson, Brooks Robert Nelson, Shane Andrew Nelson (Paxton Rae Bignell), Delaney Michelle Nelson, and Jordan McKenzie Nelson. Great Grandchildren are Henry Eugene Nelson, Charles Eugene Nelson, Ryan Wayne Rulon, Rosalynn Marie Rulon, Sloane Elizabeth Hacker, Elsie Mae Thompson, Archer Roy Thompson, Kendall Colette Nelson, Kelsey Mary Nelson, and Rhett Kolbe Nelson.

Funeral services will be held on September 26, 2025 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Dillon Mt. With Rosary at 9:30 am, Funeral Mass at 10:30 am, interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. A reception to celebrate Elsie's life will be held at the church family center at noon.

In memory of Elsie, prayer partitions or donations may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Your memories can be shared with Gene's family at www.brundagefuneralhome.com