Iona Joy Nelson

Iona Joy (Habberstad) Nelson (commonly known as Joy) was born on Jan. 16, 1932, to George and Edith Habberstad, of Dunseith, N.D. She passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024.

A service will be held at the First Lutheran Church, Glasgow, Mont., Saturday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the service.

Joy was one of four children, Marvin, Dorraine, Iona and Darrell, all previously deceased. Iona and Dorraine were the first in their families to attend college and obtain Education Degrees from North Dakota State College.

Joy met Wally in 1951 in Bottineau, N.D. and were married in 1952. I have little doubt that Joy proposed to Wally. She was a project person and got things done fast. They had three children Jonette (Glasgow), Bruce (Spokane, Wash.) and Sandy (deceased). They moved to Glasgow in 1961.

Joy was an active schoolteacher in Glasgow for 38 years. She taught first grade and Special Education during her tenure. She was active in her community, supporting many organizations especially Milk River Association, Fort Peck Summer Theater and the First Lutheran Church. During her retirement she took up quilting and quilted over 4,200 quilts for Lutheran donations.

Joy was the KrumKake queen of Glasgow. She made dozens and dozens for any benefits in town that requested them. Joy was always a working/ commanding presence. She always bragged, her mother's greatest gift was teaching her how to work and contribute.

Joy spent her last years with her best friend and sister Dorraine Worrall in Vista, Calif. Both suffered from severe dementia in their final years. They were gracefully cared for by Tanya Worrall (niece/sister) and her husband, Dalton Scott. Dorraine passed two years prior but they were both together. The enormous gratitude I feel for my cousin/sister Tanya for these years of care can never be fully expressed.

A life of service, love, compassion and happiness. When Joy entered a room, she brought laughter and JOY.

In lieu of flowers we ask that any donations be made to Milk River Association in her memory.