Martha “Maxine” Nelson, 76, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, at her residence in Kalispell.

She was born on Aug. 18, 1934, in Kalispell to Porter Ray Cranmer and Martha Nellie (Mero) Cranmer.

Maxine met and married Royce Nelson in Chillicothe, Mo. They were married Jan. 1, 1956. They enjoyed 34 years together with their family until Royce passed away in 1990. Several years later Maxine then married Ed Dickinson and enjoyed life with him until he passed away in 2002.

Maxine owned and operated a group home for adults with developmental disabilities for over 33 years. She enjoyed camping and fishing, and especially loved the Christmas holidays.

Maxine devoted her life to helping people in many ways and her favorite things in life were spending time with her family and friends.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Porter and Martha Cranmer; sister, Gladys; granddaughters, Lisa and Amber; husband, Royce Nelson; sons, John, Bob and Jay Nelson; and husband, Ed Dickinson.

Maxine is survived by sons, Rick Nelson and wife, Vinicia, and Jim Nelson and wife, Ivy; daughters, Margaret Newman and boyfriend, Sam Lubbers, and Martha and husband, Steve Shelley; daughters-in-law, Judy Nelson and Doreen Marquez; sister, Sherry Caverly; brother, Jim Cranmer and wife, Vi; brother, Butch Cranmer; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends that Maxine took into her heart and family.

There will be a visitation for Maxine from noon to 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the Johnson-Gloschat chapel. A reception will be held at 5 p.m. at the Eagles.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Maxine's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Maxine’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.