Nelson Ross Willett

Nelson Willett, 82 passed away on Saturday, May 26, 2018, at his home surrounded by family. A graveside service will be Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Highland Cemetery. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Nelson was born July 21, 1935 to Charles Oulette (Willette) and Viola LaBombard in Ellenburg Center, New York. Nelson had nine older siblings, brothers Ransom, Gerald, Albert, Charles, Frank and Daniel (all deceased); sisters Beatrice Willett, Angeline LaFavre (both deceased) and Mabel Soucia. Nelson attended Ellenburg Central High School until the 10th grade. He then worked in a garage for his cousin and in 1954 enlisted in the USAF. While in the Air Force, Nelson obtained his GED. Nelson married Betty Walker in 1956 in Georgia and they had three children, Theresa McQuillen of Bartow, Florida, Lawrence (Larry) Willett of Gulf Port, Mississippi and Sheila Watson of Vancouver, Washington. Nelson and Betty divorced in 1966. Nelson married Joy Warren in 1967 and took on the role of father to her four children, Carla (Mike) Price of Helena, Montana, Tammy Mora (deceased), Cheri (Buzz) Steinmetz of Great Falls, Montana, and Darla Grossmann of Great Falls, Montana. He was known for his traveling spirit and embarked on many family road trips. He would pile the kids in the pickup camper and drive for miles. He drove the family from Great Falls to New York several times and from Great Falls to California and Oregon numerous times. He retired from the Air Force in 1974 and settled down in Ulm, Montana. Once the children were completely grown, the road trip bug struck again and he and his wife, Joy spent many years driving the country. They made numerous trips to New York to see his family, with a stop along the way in Michigan to visit Larry; as well as spending numerous winters in Florida to spend time with daughter Theresa and her family. He also spent time in Arizona, Nevada, Washington and Oregon. Dad often said he was glad he traveled when he did because in his later years, he wanted to but was physically unable to. Nelson was a very compassionate man. He spent many years caring for his ailing mother-in-law and never complained.He just did it because that is what you do for family. He was a great caregiver to others and would always help out if you needed it. Nelson is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joy; daughters Theresa, Sheila, Carla, Cheri and Darla; and son Larry; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter Tammy Mora and grandson Michael McQuillen.