Violet Rennaker Nelson

Violet Valentine Rennaker Nelson, 92, of Hamilton, passed away of natural causes on June 18, 2016.

Violet was born February 14, 1924 in Stevensville, MT to Henry Squires and Grace Burch Squires. She grew up in the Bitterroot Valley, attending Charlos Heights Elementary and Darby High School. Her family settled in the Bitterroot Valley in the 1870’s. She was a Bitterroot native and lived in the Valley all her life.

She married Thomas Elmer Rennaker July 31, 1942. They raised their 4 children, Thomas, Sharon, Gary and Paul, in Charlos Heights and Grantsdale. Her husband Tom was killed in a tragic accident in 1973, and on June 28, 1975 she married Marlowe Nelson. They enjoyed 16 happy years of travel, family reunions, dancing and fishing. They were devoted members of several civic organizations to include the Eagles, American Legion, Four Square and Golden Age.

She was always a hard worker. Most of all she loved her family; they always came first. She loved hosting and attending family get-togethers and reunions. She would always take someone under her wing to help them in time of need. She loved her flowers and garden, enjoyed fishing, camping, music and dancing, and traveling in their RV. She always insisted on a hug and said they made her happy. Those hugs will be missed by all who knew her.

Her grandchildren remember looking up to her as a courageous woman, impressed by the way she balanced elegance and grace with her tough Montana pioneer spirit. They are grateful for the fond childhood memories, Grandma’s quick wit, and contagious laugh. They will also miss the smell of fresh apple pie, the wonderful jams and preserves from her cellar, and the candy jar on her coffee table that was always full of treats.

She is preceded in death by her parents Henry Squires and Grace Burch Squires, 4 brothers, 7 sisters, husbands Thomas Rennaker and Marlowe Nelson, son Thomas Rennaker, and grandson Thomas Rennaker.

Violet is survived by her sister Alice (John) Gates; children Sharon (Herb) Goddard, Gary (Jerri) Rennaker, Paul (Diana) Rennaker; 6 stepchildren and families; 9 grandchildren and families; numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Riverview Cemetery, Hamilton, MT.   

Violet’s family would like to extend their gratitude to her friends and the wonderful nurses and staff of Marcus Daly Hospital and Hospice Center who made her last days more comfortable and more bearable for the family. The family suggests memorials be made to the Marcus Daly Hospice Endowment Fund, 1200 Westwood Dr., Hamilton, MT 59840.