Sherron A. Folkvord Massman

1940 - 2021

BORN

1940

DIED

2021

FUNERAL HOME

Retz Funeral Home & Crematory

315 W. 6th Ave

Helena, Montana

Sherron Folkvord Massman Obituary

Sherron A. Folkvord Massman

1940 - 2021

Sherron Massman, age 80 of Helena, Rosary Beads in hand, passed away peacefully at her home on February 16th, 2021. Sherron was born in Heron, MT to Haakon "Swede" and Lillian (LaMotte) Folkvord. The daughter of a Norwegian immigrant and an eastern Montana homestead family, she was extremely proud of both her Norwegian and Montana heritage. As the Fort Peck Dam "New Deal" project drew to a close, the family relocated to Heron. War time contributions led the family to the shipyards in Vancouver, WA but eventually the Folkvords' settled in the Helena valley where Sherron became a valued community member for nearly seventy years.

During her teenage years, she worked at Helena's nostalgic Fligelman's Department store and graduated from Helena High school in 1958. Shortly thereafter she met an Airman from Alabama stationed at Malmstrom AFB, Billy G. Spivey. The two married and had four children: Brenda Spivey (husband John Richards), Janet (Spivey) Kleist, Brett Spivey, Ferrin Spivey (Claire Francoeur); grandchildren Jason Kleist, Adam Kleist, Sherron (Kleist) Burbank, Lauren "Alex" Spivey, Anna Spivey; and numerous great-grandchildren.

As life often does, it leads most of us in different directions, so too for Sherron. She met and married Hubert J. Massman, a Helena Attorney and World War II Veteran. With the bond of a second marriage came a significant increase to the family size. Sherron's step-children include Joe Massman (wife Carol), Paige (Massman) Brodsky (husband Richard), Shelley Massman, Larry Massman, George Massman, Brian Massman (wife Denise), Frank Massman (wife Beth), Ray Massman (wife Janette). Additionally, Hugh and Sherron raised a daughter together; Kara (Massman) Hicks (husband Jay); grandchildren Jennifer, Joe, Emilyn, Willie, Osa, Jake, Natasha, Tambre, Alexis, Nathan, Kio, Kirsty, Linsey, Harper, Jackson and numerous great-grandchildren.

Sherron was proceeded in death by her husband Hugh Massman, her brother Dale Folkvord, her sister Shirley (Folkvord) Mannix, her half-brother Harry Smick, and her daughter Janet Marie (Spivey) Kleist.

Sherron, a true champion of the human spirit, engaged in numerous community organizations over the years to include God's Love, the Florence Crittenton Home, Food Share, the Friendship Center, the Bargain Basement of St. Peters Episcopal Cathedral, Kiwanis and the local P.E.O Chapter. Additionally, Sherron served on the Wells Fargo Board, the United Way Board, the Civic Center Board, and the Western Art Rendezvous Board. She dedicated thirty-five years to Helena Housing Authority where her steadfast efforts eventually led to being selected Executive Director. She was relentless in advocating for the disadvantaged, disenfranchised, elderly, and brokering affordable family housing to city residents. She will be remembered locally for her profoundly positive affect on many Helena families. For her tireless efforts she was recognized multiple times by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Her greatest professional gratification was the dedication of Sherron Park in her namesake.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, memorial services will be postponed till summer at Sherron Park on Billings Avenue in Helena. Memorials in Sherron's name are suggested to God's Love shelter or any of the community organizations listed above. Random acts of kindness and community engagement also come highly recommended from the family.

Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Sherron

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Helena Independent Record on Feb. 21, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Sherron Folkvord Massman

Sponsored by Retz Funeral Home & Crematory.

6 Entries

Jennifer Wendt

May 21, 2021

I moved away from Helena almost 11 years ago. Sherron and I lost track of each other. I will never forget how she took me under her wing when I had moved there in 2001and then became a very large part of my life. We served on the United Way and Civic Center Board together, She introduced me to P.E.O. There was bridge club and playing in clay at the Clay Arts Guild...and in her garage, too! It's four months since she has passed and I just heard of it today. Thank you for your friendship, Sherron. Rest in peace.

Jean Brekke

February 24, 2021

What a sweet, classy, wonderful lady. She was always upbeat and helpful to everyone she met. I spent many hours in she and Hugh´s home up on Stuart street. Her daughter Janet was a very good friend of mine. I learned to Cross country ski and water ski with this family. Janet and I would bake, have sleep overs and have such good times in their home. They also took me on camping trips. I loved going to the Gates of the Mountains and getting on the boat. This family was like a second family to me. Hugh and Sherron were always asking me about my basket and track events. I will always remember the generosity and kindness of this sweet lady

Tonna W. Strasko

February 24, 2021

We are very sorry to see the passing of Sherron. Blessings upon all of her loved ones.

Kelly Baraby

February 22, 2021

Sad to hear, Brenda If you are around I would love to connect . hugs to you all.

February 22, 2021

My condolences to the family . May you find comfort in your treasured memories and Gods promise to return our loved ones . 1st Thessalonians 4 : 13 & 14 .

Debby Flansaas

February 21, 2021

I did Sherron's nails until I retired, almost two years ago. She gave me a beautiful purple flowering plants for my retirement, which to this day sits in my window. She was such a regal, classy, warm and wonderful person. We would talk about our families and the history of Helena. I am so sorry for your loss and I pray for your broken hearts. May she rest in peace.

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