Nelva Maude Sears

1927 - 2025

Nelva Maude (Secor) Sears recently passed away peacefully in her home in Whitehall, MT. She was 97 years old. Nelva was born to Allen D. and Maggie Jane Secor in Bozeman, MT. She joined brothers Walter, Lyle, Thomas, Leonard and Lester and sisters Aldean and Margaret. Nelva graduated from Gallatin County High School with the class of 1945.

Nelva married Kenneth Sears of Townsend September 29,1949. Nelva and Ken (Pinky) moved to West Yellowstone, where Ken continued his 30 career as a Game Warden. After various tourist related jobs, including working at the state liquor store, Nelva began a long career with the postal service. She retired from the West Yellowstone post office in 1990 after 20 years.

Nelva and Ken spent most of their time in West at their forest service cabin at Baker's Hole on the Madison River where they entertained all manner of wildlife, including grizzlies, buffalo and moose in their front yard. Nelva loved snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Ken, as a game warden in the area, was one of the first responders to stranded campers at Quake Lake during the 1959 earthquake and Nelva spoke of helping stranded motorists. She also helped clean the liquor store after the quake destroyed most of the stock.

After Nelva and Ken retired they managed the Madison Fork Ranch near West Yellowstone for eleven years.

In 1994 Ken and Nelva moved to Whitehall, MT. Nelva was the primary caregiver for Ken during his later years as he struggled with Parkinson's disease. He preceded Nelva in death in 2005.

Nelva possessed a sharp wit and could tease with the best of them. An avid reader, she kept up with her favorite authors and could recommend books at any time. She loved the NFL and looked forward to football weekends and watching her favorite, Aaron Rodgers.

She loved animals, especially her cats, and was a strong supporter of Heart of the Valley Shelter in Bozeman for many years.

Nelva was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband and all seven brothers and sisters. She and Ken did not have any children, but Nelva is survived by many nieces and nephews, including Jim and Bonnie Secor, Bozeman, Valerie Aughney of Helena, Linda Doust of Atascadero, CA, Connie McCormick of Bozeman and Tom & Susie Secor, Billings. Nelva also leaves behind dear friends, RJ and Sandy Moulton and family, Filer, ID, and Jo and Kenneth Whitman, West Yellowstone, and her special friend and partner in crime, Janet Davis.

Nelva was also blessed with her many Whitehall lady friends who befriended and helped her, and the entire Taco Tuesday crew she looked forward to seeing each week.

Memorials are preferred to the Whitehall Country Store.

2-98 D Street; Whitehall, MT 59759