Kathleen " Kate" J. Nelson, 81, passed from this life Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana. Her funeral service will be held at 11am on March 7, 2020 at the Geraldine Methodist Church with Pastor Paul Holland officiating. Burial will be at the Geraldine Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the church. Memorials in Kathleen's honor may be made to the Dedman Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Benton Funeral Home.

Kate was born January 23, 1939 to Clyde and Minnie (Knaup) Corley in Great Falls, Montana. She was raised and educated in Geraldine, Montana, graduating from High School there and marrying her high school sweetheart, Wendall Nelson, all in 1957. Together, they had a son, but later divorced.

She was an avid horsewoman, that led her to rodeo extensively throughout the northwest winning many barrel racing championships. She moved on as a professional thoroughbred race horse trainer in California successfully for some 20 years before retiring after a horse related accident.

Her second career involved hand painting glassware and creating dichroic glass jewelry with partner Jeannie Hitt of Stockton, California. Their creations sold nationwide.

Kate moved from Stockton, California back to Fort Benton in 2009 and lived at the Bramlette RV park until moving into the Sunrise Bluffs in 2017. She enjoyed traveling with friends and her trusty fur companions Koke and Jade. She also loved playing cards, games and eating out with friends.

Kate was a strong woman that lived life her way.

She was preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Minnie Corley and an infant son.

Kate is survived by her son Clyde Robert "Bob" Nelson of Chester, California, grandson Matt of California, granddaughter Andy also of California, sister L. Stevanna (Douglas) Payne of Yuma, Arizona, various nieces, nephews, and cousins.