Ann Nelson Hafer

Ann Nelson Hafer, 86, of Billings, passed away on Jan. 8, 2018. She was born in Billings on May 14, 1931, to Maude and Cedric Nelson. Ann graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1949 and went on to attend Carleton College and, later, the University of Minnesota, where she received her degree in dental hygiene.

While home from college on holiday break in 1951, she went on a blind date with a young man named Rex Hafer. They were smitten with each other. Shortly after, he proposed, and after careful consideration, she accepted. They were married on Sept. 19, 1952.

Ann and Rex began their family a short time later, and their lives would be blessed with BOYS! Randy, Craig and Gary became her top priority. In 1956, the family moved into their newly constructed home on Beverly Hill Boulevard. They resided there until moving to West Park Village in 2017.

Ann worked as a dental hygienist for various dentists in Billings for many years, but her main job in life was that of mother. She allowed her sons to explore and create memories all over Billings. She instilled the importance of nature and exercise in them at an early age. She herself was very active well into her 70s with a group of ladies who would ride bicycles all over the countryside and in later years, took up walking in the mall.

Ann was very active in her community through the Junior League and other organizations. She was a member of the 99's, which was the Women's Pilot's Organization. In the end, she had received her flying license and had more flying credentials than Rex, who was also a pilot. She loved playing cards, especially Bridge. This love of cards was passed on to her grandchildren. Ann loved her family and friends, and treasured the many conversations over a cup of coffee or a hand of cards through the years.

As a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, she was active on all levels, serving nationally with the United Methodist Women's Organization. This position allowed her to travel to exotic places such as India and Bolivia, and many trips to New York City. She loved organizing memories from her trips and sharing photos with friends upon her return.

Ann had a servant's heart. She was always there with a lovely hug and a kind word.

She will be missed very much by her husband, Rex of Billings; son Randy (Janna) Hafer of Billings and grandchildren James, Matthew and Lindsey plus bonus grands, Kourtney, Becca and Jared Siess and Michelle Crochet; her son, Craig (Hae Bolduc) Hafer of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and grandchildren Ryan, Brianna and Kayla; and sisters-in-law Patty Nelson and Anne Hollingsworth. She was devastated by the loss of her son Gary in 2012 and was also preceded in death by her brother Richard Nelson.

As Ann's request, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, at First United Methodist Church, 2800 Fourth Ave. N.

Memorials may be made in Ann's name to First United Methodist Church or the charity of one's choice.