Doreen Bain Memorial services for Doreen Bain will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, August 30. Pastors Johnette Grefe and Chansy Charles will officiate at the service at the First Congregational Church in Plentywood; interment of cremated remains will be in Plentywood Memorial Cemetery. Doreen died Sunday evening, August 24, 2008 at her farm home southwest of Plentywood following a prolonged struggle with cancer. Doreen was born in Plentywood October 27, 1938, the youngest of 3 children of Nels and Alice Nelson. She grew up on the family farm in the Antelope community, attended Eden Valley School, graduated from Medicine Lake High School in 1956, and attended beauty school in Minneapolis. She then lived for a time in Spokane, where Larry tracked her down in a blizzard – they were engaged at Christmas, 1958, and married June 14, 1959. They have made their home in Plentywood and on the farm; and enjoyed a number of winters in California, Arizona, and Texas. Although slight in stature, Doreen’s heart was as large as the world ... she cared deeply for her family, her church, community, and friends, and dearly loved to just be home on the farm. She was an excellent homemaker. Doreen always followed her conscience with a deep sense of right and justice, and invariably brought out the very best in the people around her.
Afflicted with severe arthritis and often in debilitating pain, Doreen was always cheerful and wanted to stay as active as she could. She remained “best friends” with her family, and learned the meaning of “tough love” in dealing with the bipolar disorder that afflicted her older daughter, Kim. Those struggles led her to become an advocate for the Mental Health Association, as well as for anyone struggling with these “hidden” disabilities. Doreen contracted cancer a number of years ago; and her quiet courage gave her, her family, and their circle of friends the spirit and endurance to carry on far longer than medical science believed possible.
Doreen is survived by her beloved husband, Larry, and daughter Shellee Roberts and her husband Gregory, of Spokane, Washington; two grandsons, John Brock and Mitchell Nelson, a granddaughter, Keesha Roberts, and a great-granddaughter, Lexi Nelson. She is also survived by a brother, Walter Nelson and his wife, Shirley, of Reserve, Montana, and by extended family members Grace Anderson and Linda Bartnes. Besides her parents, Nels and Alice Nelson, Doreen was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur; by Art’s son, David A. Nelson, who was also Doreen’s adopted brother; and by her daughter, Kimberle Sue, on June 4, 2007.
The family suggests memorials to Sheridan Memorial Hospice, or to the charity of the sender’s choice.
Fulkerson Funeral Home of Plentywood has charge of arrangements.
Larry and Shellee, I just heard today about Doreen. I'm so saddened by your loss. I'm sure Kim and her are with one another. My thoughts are with you both. ................................................................................................................................................................................
We loved Doreen with all our hearts and she will always remain a treasure in our lives. She was a strong willed person and loved everyone deeply. We love you Larry, Shellee and family.....Lola .................................................................................................................................................................................