HAMILTON - Gertrude May McKenzie Nielson, 83, died July 15, 2004, in Hamilton.

She was born Dec. 28, 1920, in Polson to Harry E. and Mary Beauvais Cramer McKenzie. Gertrude married Evan C. Nielson Jan. 8, 1942 in Twin Falls, Idaho. He preceded her in death Sept 9, 1995.

Gertrude grew up in Polson and graduated from Polson High School in 1940. She was a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe.

Gertrude and Evan spent several years in Lesotho and Swaziland, Southern Africa, while he was working there. Gertrude and Evan traveled extensively in Australia and throughout Europe. They loved their home on Big Arm Bay and enjoyed winters in Wickenburg, Ariz. Until her illness, Gertrude enjoyed her volunteer work at the Missoula Senior Center.

Gertrude is survived by three children, Mary (Mac E.) Smith of Hanford, Calif., Ron (Diane) Nielson of Salt Lake City, and Rod (Fran) Nielson of Hamilton; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, JoAnn McConnell, Tacoma, and kindred sister and niece, Dot Getz and Janet Slack of Kalispell.

Gertrude's family thanks the staff and volunteers at Marcus Daly Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Hamilton, for their loving care and compassion shown our mother. Her courage and positive attitude throughout her illness have been an inspiration to all of us. Gertrude was much loved and will be missed by her family and many friends.

Graveside services were held July 18 at the Lakeview Cemetery, Polson. The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society or to the Marcus Daly Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 1200 Westwood Dr., Hamilton, MT 59840.