Nell (Zipp) Kardash

Nell Kardash, age 87, of Livingston, Montana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2020. A memorial service in honor of Nell will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2020, 2:00 P.M. at the Franzen-Davis Funeral Home, 118 North 3rd Street Livingston. A reception will follow the service at the funeral home. Burial will be with her parents in Assumption Cemetery in St. Cloud, MN.Nell was born on April 14, 1932 in St. Cloud, MN, she was the youngest of five children born to John H. Anna (Knoblauch) Zipp. She was raised in Waite Park, MN where she graduated from high school. Following school, she met the love of her life, John Francis Kardash, they were united in marriage on September 13th, 1952. They began life following Johns work. He was a crane operator and worked many oil field and construction projects through the region. On June 8th 1957, they made Livingston their forever home. Nell wanted a home base to raise her family and John was able to keep traveling to his jobsites.Nell worked tirelessly raising her children and working out of the home. She had worked as a clerk at Johns IGA, Sears and for Deanna Egeland with the Justice of the Peace. She retired from the Clerk of Courts office on April 15th, 1997She and John resided in Livingston the rest of his life, John died in June of 1997 following a bout with cancer. Nell cared for him as he ailed and was happy to do so.Nell was always our caretaker. She took care of dad, of us kids and our children. She was particular, always keeping her home perfectly polished; she had a keen sense of organization and every document was always in its place, which was another way she cared for us. She was an amazing baker and enjoyed crocheting. She served on the Board of Meals on Wheels as their Secretary and volunteered with them for many years as well. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and helped paint many of the crosses that are displayed for Memorial Day. She also helped keep the flower gardens up at Sacajawea Park.Mom was humble, loving and oh, so sweet. She never wished to be the center of attention but was glad to offer assistance with any project. She had the most beautiful handwriting and would send lovely letters in cards to friends and grandchildren. She was always very considerate never wanting to be a bother in anyway. She had just signed herself up for hospice assistance just 24 hours prior to her passing. She may have felt that this was too imposing on her care givers which may have been why she went so quickly.We will treasure the loving memories we have with her; you will be forever missed by all your family; we love you mom.Nell is survived by: her children, son, Dale Kardash of Livingston; daughter, Janet Bannon and her husband, Barry of Livingston; and daughter, Ellen Kardash of Minneapolis, MN. Grandchildren, Brooke (Alan) Scott, Betsi (Sean) Boyd, Billy (Lauren) Bannon; Courtney (Matt) Baker, Shane Kardash; great-grandchildren, G.G., Jasper, Alicia, Layla, Maverick, Kingston, Ivy, Brooklyn and Oakley, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.She was preceded in death by: her parents, John and Anna Zipp; her husband, John; her siblings, Erma, Marion, Bob and Delores.A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Diamond K Lodge for the tender care bestowed upon mom.Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.