Heaven gained another angel on January 5th, 2014, when Marjory Nelson Milroy passed away after a long battle with cancer.
Marjory was born to Neil and Helen Nelson, on April 13, 1939, and grew up on the family ranch outside of Cohagen, Montana. Marj and her 3 brothers and one sister attended school in a one-room-schoolhouse where her mother was the teacher. With four Nelson children in attendance they made up one-fourth of the entire school.
Marj attended high school in Jordan, where she was voted “most likely to succeed.” Following high school she graduated from the “Presentation School of Nursing.” After her marriage she worked for the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Miles City. When her children were raised she returned to school and graduated with a B.S. Nursing Degree. She also briefly worked as a County Health Nurse in Custer County. In the later part of her nursing career, Clifford and Marj moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where she was employed by the Veteran’s Administration Hospital, in Phoenix. She was there until she retired.
Marj never met a stranger and made friends wherever she went. She had the ability to start a conversation with people she had just met; many times keeping in touch with them through the years. After she retired, Clifford and Marj travelled in their motor home. They travelled all over the Western United States, into Canada and Mexico, and up the Al-Can Highway to Alaska.
Marj was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and daughter, whose life touched many people. She was a friend to so many; she was a caring and compassionate nurse for most of her life. In her personal life she was an artist and created many things of beauty, including her home. She was a quilter, a weaver, and a painter. She was an exceptional photographer who had that special “Seeing-eye” that is needed to create beautiful photos and won many blue ribbons at the County Fairs where she exhibited them.
When Clifford and Marj lived in Roseburg, Oregon, she took special courses and spent many hours to become a “Master Gardener.” She made many new friends who shared her interests. Many happy hours were spent in gardening activities with members of this organization.
Marj remained a positive person through her years battling the cancer which eventually took her life. She was a support to many people who were diagnosed with cancer and she gave them encouragement and support as they battled the disease with her.
She is survived by her loving husband Clifford, to whom she was married for the last thirty-seven years. She has three children, Toni (Rob) Tivy, Allison and Neal Campbell. She has one beloved granddaughter, Lauren Tivy. She is also survived by three brothers, Doug, Frank, and Gordon Nelson, one sister, Meredith Hirsch, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father in 1986 and her mother in 2002.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements.
Dave Schott & Family says
Toni, Allison, and Neil, I’m very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. My thoughts are with your family at this time.
Pat Smith says
Frank, Jane & family, Sorry to hear about Marj. May your fond memories help you through this hard time. Will think of you often in the days to come. Much Love Pat
Shirley Thomas says
My thoughts and prayers are with you–sorry I can’t be there this weekend. Marjory was a great gal, so fun, such a positive outlook on life. I was glad to know her.
Kevin & Sheila Krausz says
Toni, Allison, Meredith, & Families,
So sorry to hear of Marj passing away. I remember her smile and laugh from when I was a child. May you find comfort and peace in your memories of Marj.
Cathy Byron says
I had hoped to visit with Marjory – but guess that will have to wait now. She exuded joy whenever I saw her. My heart is with all of you.
Linda & Richard Meidinger says
I am sorry to hear of your loss of Marj. I worked with her for several years at the Miles City Va. She always had that beautiful smile on her face and fun to work with.
I am glad to see they had a great retirement, traveling and having fun.
May your great memories help you through this difficult time. You in our thoughts and prayers. Linda and Richard Meidinger ( we are now at Shadehill S.D. but used to live at Kinsey, Mt)
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Marjory Nelson Milroy – It was not the Creator’s purpose for mankind to suffer (Romans 5:12). May God give you peace through his promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Cherish all your happy memories and I hope that you are consoled by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Donna Sweeney says
Her obituary describes Marj perfectly as the person I remember when she was a nurse at the VA in Miles City…caring and compassionate, always! You have my deepest sympathy.
Anne Corbin Heiser says
Clifford and family, so saddened to hear about your loss. I knew Marjory briefly in Arizona, she was indeed a beautiful soul. My condolences to the family.