Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

Shirley Jean Hall Ward Nelson, 92 of

Worland, Wyoming passed away Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings, Montana. She was born September 8, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan to Marilyn and Olin Hall, one of four daughters. Shirley graduated high school in Detroit and worked at Brinks Bank. In 1943, she moved to New York City where she worked in theatre and at the Cotton Club as a chorus dancer. In 1951, she met Lloyd Ward Jr. They were married in 1952 and moved to, Memphis, Tennessee. Shirley and Lloyd had three children. Shirley's passions included fine art, travel, and gardening.

She grew banana trees, and an exotic cactus which only bloomed about midnight in August. Shirley met Arthur "Buddy" Nelson in Cody, Wyoming. They married in California and moved to his home town of Worland, Wyoming. They also enjoyed gardening, and grew purple beans, artichokes and amazing vegetables. All through her life Shirley loved cats. Her last kitty was a surprise mama cat whom brought a litter of baby kitties to her this past October. She worried about being able to care for them. She daily thanked the retired policeman whom still comes by her home to feed the kitties. Shirley spent time daily with her best friend, Joann Bower. She was preceded in death by Lloyd Ward Jr, Arthur Nelson, and her youngest son, Etienne Ward (Marlene). She is survived by her son Lloyd Ward III (Karen), daughter Celeste Salveson (Glenn), and her grandchildren. Etienne's children: Charity and Derek, Lloyd's children: Andrea (Oscar) Caraan, Sarah (Dino) Sidiropoulos, and Nathan Ward, and Celeste's children: Brock and Bridt Salveson (Victor). Shirley has many beautiful great grandchildren: Brielle, Jared, Brooklyn, Dylan, Valerie, Victoria, Zoe Maye, Alexander, Olivia Joy, Hannah and Abigail.

A memorial service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church in Worland, Wyoming Monday February 12, 2018 at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Cody, Wyoming. An announcement will be made to the family.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences can be sent by visiting http://www.cfgbillings.com.