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Neva Willett Obituary
Neva May Willett passed away Friday evening, July 18, 2014, at Moorberg Cottage on the St. Johns campus surrounded by her family. Neva was born on June 17, 1915, in Hardin, Mont., to John and Cordie (Rankin) Reno. She married Walt Willett on Nov. 18, 1934, in Hardin. They lived in Hardin and Lewistown, Mont., and Henderson City, Nev. From 1943 to 1946 they lived in Long Beach, Calif., and Neva worked at the naval shipyard. She had the distinction of being one of only two woman machinists in the whole shipyard. After the war, they moved back to Montana and farmed near St. Xavier for 5 years. In 1951, they moved to Billings and lived here for the rest of their lives. Mom became an accomplished artist in her later years. One of her proudest achievements was earning a law degree through correspondence courses.
Walt passed away on Jan. 15, 2000, and Neva moved to the Mission Ridge Retirement Community at St. Johns, then to assisted living and finally to Moorberg Cottage for the last 8 years. She was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother and three sisters.
She is survived by her three sons: Walt Jr and wife Bea, Tracy and wife Pam, Jim and wife Dawn, all of Billings; 11 grandchildren; 21 great- grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; and numerous very close nieces and nephews.
Family was the most important thing in life to Neva and we will all miss her so much. Our only regret is that in the last few years she couldn't remember much of the wonderful life she lived. The family would like to thank the staff of Moorberg Cottage for the wonderful care they have given Neva in the last 8 years and Riverstone Hospice for their help in her last few days.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22, at the Lillis Center Chapel on the St. Johns campus. Interment will be in Mountview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the charity of your choice.
Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary has charge of arrangements. Remembrances may be shared with the family by visiting www.michelottisawyers.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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