Jane Harriet Nelson (Sherman)

Jane Harriet Sherman Nelson, 89 of Polson was born January 30, 1920, dying in her beloved home of 61 years March 4, 2009 surrounded by her family. Born in Terry, MT, she was the daughter of Dr. Leigh W. Sherman, a pioneer dentist in Eastern MT. Since the power company generally turned the electricity off in early evening, the family was accommodated with a few extra hours of illumination that night to 'light the way' for Jane's safe arrival. Jane's youth in the 'Wilds' of Eastern Montana was full of adventure, stories that she enjoyed recounting in later years. She loved telling of using a dead cow as a trampoline, playing with Evelyn Cameron's tamed wolves and playing first base on the Terrier's Baseball Team. These activities kept her busy when she wasn't studying to become the Valedictorian of Terry's Class of 1938. College studies first took her to Northfield Minnesota where she unknowingly lived 4 blocks from her future mother-in-law. Transferring to Montana State College in Bozeman she became an avid Bobcat fan, meeting Toby, her future husband who was a star basketball player. They met when Toby put one of his frat brothers up to calling her for him, but when she didn't like the caller's voice, the plan was nearly foiled. Jane graduated with Phi Kappa Phi honors from MSC and belonged to the Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority. Jane and Toby were married in 1942 in Bozeman. Toby as soon called into World War II where he served in Germany. He belonged to the Special Service Unit of the Army and was wounded at the Manheim Stadium while referring a football game. While Toby was in Germany, Jane lived with her mother-in-law due to the recent death of her own mother. Judith Ann (Jan) was born VE Day, May 7, 1945. When Jane was wheeled out of the delivery room and saw the nurses dancing in the halls, she mistakenly believed that they celebrated Each child's arrival in such a joyous fashion. The decision to move to Polson in 1947 for Toby's first teaching job was solidified by the fact that the new Polson Country Club had grass greens. They moved into the Lake Hotel, making lifelong friends before purchasing their home on 3rd Ave. where Jane resided for 61 years. Sandy was born on Christmas Day 1948. A string of boarders filled the upstairs bedrooms to help pay the bills until the rest of the Nelson Clan arrived. Steve came along in 1951, Ginny in 1954, and Amy in 1955, completing what Jane fondly referred to as 'The Nelson's Nuthouse'. Jane was a faithful Christian who found a nurturing home in Polson' First Baptist Church. She lived her faith by loving her neighbors, her family and her community with fervor. One of Jane and Toby's greatest pleasures was that of traveling. They spent many winters traveling in their motor home in search of sandy beaches and grassy links. Jane was a coach's wife and LOVED the Polson Pirates. She thoroughly enjoyed watching, especially her grandchildren, excel in their athletic and scholastic ventures, celebrating their successes and cheering them on whether in rain, sleet, sunshine or snow. There was no greater patron of the Port Polson Players as she watched her crazy kids (and others) on stage. She made her staged debut billed as 'The Ancient Women' in The Teahouse of the August Moon, receiving much acclaim. Her 5 children and their spouses, 14 grandchildren and spouses, 5 great grandchildren along with a Village of wonderfully supportive friends survive Jane. Please send memorials to First Baptist Church to benefit their Awana Program or to Mission Valley Friends of the Arts. A hearty THANK-YOU to all who loved her so well and who avoided her during her days behind the wheel as she and Rose sought that next exciting garage sale. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at 1:00 pm in the First Baptist Church with Rev. Rudy Ringhoff officiating. Arrangements and cremation under the care on Grogan Funeral Home.
Read Jane Nelson (Sherman)'s Obituary and Guestbook.