On December 14, Nellie Jane Kirkpatrick Prochazka died, after a very short battle with cancer. Her passing was very peaceful and she was surrounded by her family.
As one of her nephews said, “She was a helluva dame.” And, of course, if you ever called her “Nellie”, she would throw something at you!
Jane was born September 15, 1935 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The second of three daughters to Raymond and Alice Kirkpatrick. She is survived by two daughters, Cathy Prochazka of Coconut Grove, FL and Cindy Ellsworth of San Antonio, TX and a sister Jean Blake of Palm Desert, CA, 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. As well as multiple nieces and nephews and their children.
She led a very adventurous life and enjoyed growing up as a holy terror in Waukesha, Wisconsin, during her formative years. She attended Maryville College outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. One day, instead of walking all the way around the science building, she decided it would be shorter to go through an open window, where she happened upon a man who said, “My what beautiful eyes you have”. She married that man, George Prochazka, in November 1955. And together they had three children, and began a journey of adventure.
After the kids left home, Jane finished her college education at Mary College in Bismarck North Dakota, and moved from technician to administrative officer with the United States Department of Agriculture. She loved learning and enjoyed the details of scientific research. Her career continued her adventure of travel to many research stations and becoming an advocate for scientists, a job and career she grew to love. She retired in 1998, in Miles City, Montana, a place that allowed her to grow in many ways. She loved being outside and had a passion for gardening. She loved trying new things with fun people, but was mostly known as a left-handed avid sports fan. But nothing could beat a day with a good book. While here, she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Art Center, and attended Grace Bible. She became a member of Global volunteers, traveling internationally. Through these endeavors her friends came in all sizes, shapes, nationalities and were spread wide and far. (Thank goodness for SKYPE!).
Although Jane was a private person, she made good friends wherever she traveled, she was prolific in keeping in touch and had friendships that spanned her lifetime.
Memorial services for Jane will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held at the family plot in Penobscot, Maine. Should anyone desire contributions can be made to Grace Bible Building Fund, Miles City Montana. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 17, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Sreet
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday December 17, 2014
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Sreet
Miles City, MT
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Linda Schuler says
I had the pleasure of meeting Jane in the early ’90s thru her former co-workers here at the Northern Great Plains Research Lab in Mandan, ND. I’m sorry to hear of her passing and my condolences to her family.
Linda Schuler
alice vega says
I met Jane about 10 years ago on a Global Volunteers trip to Costa Rica. She was my ‘roomie’ and I enjoyed her company so very much. We kept in casual touch through facebook. Today i was preparing to send her a happy birthday message and read the notice of her passing. My condolences to all who loved this wonderful woman.
Alice Vega, St. Paul, MN 1/1/2015
Sharon Maio says
Jane was a truly amazing women. I worked with her when she was in Ithaca, NY and we stayed in touch through the years. I have never known anyone who was more energetic and adventurous. I will truly miss the Christmas letters telling of her many adventures. She was a joy to know and I’m truly sorry to hear of her illness and passing. Her family was lucky to have her and my condolences to all of you.