Gretchen (Nelson) Westby was born March 15, 1941, in Glasgow, Montana to Elsa and Clinton Nelson, the oldest of four children. She was the last person to complete 8th grade at the North Bench Country School. After she graduated from high school in Opheim and Montana State University, she became an RN and worked as a surgical nurse at the Billings Deaconess Hospital. She married Arlo “Bill” Westby on June 10, 1964, and they purchased the Westby family farm. Their first child, Karen, was born in 1966, and their son, Todd, followed in 1969. In 2004 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and was a 19-year cancer survivor. Gretchen lived on the farm until the fall of 2021, when she moved to Prairie Ridge enjoying the relationships she had with the residents and staff, playing cards, and going to Bible study. She often shared, “This is the place to be.” Gretchen passed away peacefully on October 28, 2023, of natural causes.
Gretchen was very involved in the Opheim community and had a servant’s heart. She was dedicated to her church and volunteered to teach Sunday School, VBS, helped with church functions, served on the church board, participated in Ladies’ Aid, and did a lot of behind-the-scenes work. She was also an essential part of the formation of the North Valley County EMT and carried the pager for many years. She was in the Legion Auxiliary and helped with their various service activities.
Gretchen was a rock, a kind soul, and always someone you could talk to. She was a top-tier farmwife and a master at preparing large quantities of food for big crews and family gatherings, sometimes in a short amount of time. She summer fallowed, hauled grain, and helped feed cows. As a true caregiver, the list of people she helped in our community was long, including her husband, Bill, during his last few years. Many benefitted from her compassion, kindness, and gracious ways. She had a special way of making people feel important and had a naturally inclusive nature. She was an unconditional supporter, a voice of reason, and always found a way to be there for people. Her loving nature was never competitive but she received the highest ranking from her grandchildren.
A life well lived!
Gretchen is preceded in death by her husband Bill; her parents Clinton and Elsa Nelson, her brothers David and Carl, and nephews Ryan, Clint and numerous loved ones.
Gretchen is survived by her daughter, Karen (Roger) Mayhall, her son, Todd (Lori) Westby, and her five grandchildren: Quinn (Madison) and Paige Mayhall, and Brooke, Blaire, and Ty Westby. She is also survived by Susanne (David Stubbs) Isakson and daughter, Faith. Other survivors include her sister Doris Moore, sisters-in-law Karleen (Roger) Kleeman, Lynette (Tom) Hagan, and brother-in-law Kerm Westby, and other family and friends.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m.
Friday November 3, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 4, 2023
Opheim Community Church
Opheim , Montana 59250
Funeral Reception
12:15 p.m.
Saturday November 4, 2023
Opheim Community Church
Opheim , Montana 59250
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m.
Friday November 3, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 4, 2023
Opheim Community Church
Opheim , Montana 59250
Funeral Reception
12:15 p.m.
Saturday November 4, 2023
Opheim Community Church
Opheim , Montana 59250
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Carole Zeitner says
My sympathies. She and Doris were the big sisters I didn’t have. Often stay at the Nelsons. Loved her and her ready smile. She missed. Carole (Fossum) Zeitner
Karyl Sonsteng Viste says
So sad to read of Gretchen’s passing – have many good memories of the Nelson’s from years past. My sympathy and prayers to all the famiy
David & Cheri Weidner says
Karen, Todd and families,
Our deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mom. She was such a nice lady, always sweet and kind.
David and Cheri Weidner
Betty Bailey says
So sorry to hear. I loved visiting with Gretchen. She was always so kind . Prayers to her family. Marge will miss her. RIP Gretchen.
Kim Fuhrman Madler says
I am so sorry for your loss😞. My thoughts and prayers are with the family🙏🏻. I got to know Gretchen a little better through Marge Burdette.
Alicia Donaldson says
I have known Gretchen all her life. I am devastated over her passing. Words do not come to me right now. Prayers for the family.
Alicia (Alice Fuchs) Donaldson
Lisa & Marty Thievin says
So sorry to hear of her passing. She will leave a large void. We are out of town and won’t be able to attend her service but will be thinking of and praying for your family and all who loved her.
Mary Fossum says
Gretchen was always one of those people that “sparked joy” whenever I saw her. I’m so sorry for all of us that won’t be receiving that spark anymore. Our sympathy to all of Gretchen’s loved ones.
Lorraine Huebert says
My sincere sympathy to the family of Gretchen . I so enjoyed her friendship at Prairie Ridge Village this past year after I also became a resident. She was a very welcome member of the Bible Study I lead. We will miss her greatly.
Lori Kurtz says
Gretchen was a frequent flyer with Cape Air. I have very fond thoughts and memory of her always saying, “Hey girl” and always being up lifting know matter what the flight situation was at the moment. I will miss her. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
SCOTT THACKERAY says
Just learned of Gretchen’s passing today. Always enjoyed stopping in for a visit when I was working in the area. What a pillar to the Opheim community. I will greatly miss her.