Lois Joan (Nelson) Leach

Lois Joan (Nelson) Leach, of Sun River, MT passed from this life to life everlasting on November 11, 2024. Lois was born to Willie and Mathilda (Peterson) Nelson on February 3, 1926, in Willmar, Minnesota. Lois moved to Great Falls with her family in 1929 when her dad went ahead to start a machinist job with the Great Northern Railroad while her mother disposed of their possessions and oversaw six kids on a long train ride to Great Falls. Lois said, “we were a happy family and as kids didn’t realize we were a do-without generation.”  The family liked Montana, and they finally got a car “Willy’s Knight” that her dad kept running during the summer months so they could all venture out into the mountains where they made many good memories. After graduation from GFHS in 1944 Lois worked in the Great Northern Shop Office. She could type 90 words/minute and she learned that with 6 carbon copies not to make mistakes!

Lois met Bill Leach after the war at the First Baptist Church in Great Falls and were married there on September 28, 1947. In 1950, they purchased acreage in Sun River and grew Sweet Corn along with some livestock and huge gardens. The Leach family produced Leach’s Horseradish which was sold in grocery stores across Montana, started by Bill’s dad in 191l and continued until 1986. Lois’ family was her number one priority, and she blessed everyone with her hospitality, encouragement, and faith. Bill and Lois celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2017 and Bill passed in April of 2018. Lois was able to live in her home until recently thanks to the loving care of Linda Waldner.

Lois’s love of learning was passed on to her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and many other children too. Education was very important to her. Also, a good thrift store find. Lois taught Sunday School, VBS, Awana, played the piano and organ at church, care homes and Rescue Mission, and was the S.S. Treasurer for many years at Fort Shaw Bible Church. Her prayer was that she could keep her wits about her. At 98 even as her body was failing her, she was still quoting many Scripture verses, singing songs, and keeping her sweet, grateful spirit.

Survivors include children Linda Davidson of Salmon Arm, B.C., Dana (Marie) Leach of Great Falls, MT, Marla (Lester) Mesenbrink of Kelowna, B.C., Jeff (Michelle) Leach of Wasco, OR; daughter-in-law, Susan Bettinger; 18 grandchildren; 12 grandchildren-in-law; and 25 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Leach; sons, Edwin Leach and Vern Leach; son-in-law, Harvey Davidson; and sisters, Vergie Stevenson, Wilma (Nemec) Zupan, Ellen Winston, Ruby McMahon, and Audrey Kelly.