Funeral service:  Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Broadus, MT. 

     Nellie Bea Blaylock Grosz “Grandma Bea”, age 76, of Billings, Montana passed away on Friday, July 4^th, 2008 at St. Vincent’s Hospital, due to complications of a massive stroke.

     Nellie was born on November 3, 1931 in Ridge, Montana, the daughter of John and Midred (Crinklaw) Blaylock.  She was raised on a ranch in Ridge, Montana.  She spent her childhood working, taking care of her sister JoAnne, and riding horses.  She graduated High School in 1949.  Nellie married Don Gatlin in 1950, and had three beautiful children; Rick Gatlin, Rhonda Gatlin, and Randy Gatlin.  She later made a new life in Billings.  She attended Cosmetology School and married Vern Grosz and they were together over 20 years.

     It always meant more for her to give than receive.  She was a bright spot in her family’s lives.  Nellie Bea, created a beautiful sanctuary in her back yard.  You could always find her there with her hands dirty and a smile on her face.  She planted a garden every year and her flowers were amazing!  Nellie’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren played a huge part in her life.  They all entertained her in many ways.  She cared for both of her great grandchildren on many occasions.  She attended all of Iyana’s dance competitions.  She loved to watch Landry in gymnastics, as well as, discover new things in her yard.  She never missed an opportunity to spend time with family members and any of her great friends.  She was an incredibly hard working woman!  No job was too big for her to tackle.  Her pastimes were playing pool or cards at the VFW, gardening, reading, dancing, sewing, crocheting, cooking, canning, and loving.  She left her mark on this world.  She was loved by so many and will be deeply missed. 

     Nellie is survived by her children:  Rick Gatlin of Broadus, MT; Rhonda Gatlin of Billings, MT; her sisters: Doris Quaring of Broadus, MT; and JoAnne Trom of Tulsa, OK; her grandchildren:  Mohria & Bill Fawcett, Brandon & Tahnee Gatlin, Chad Gatlin, and Courtney Gatlin; her great grandchildren:  Iyana Monet Fawcett and Landry Don Gatlin; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her Mother and Father, her dear son Randy, a sister Ethel Graham, and half-brother Bob Wilson.

     A celebration of Nellie’s life will be held on Friday July 11^th, at 5:00 PM at the Billings Heights VFW.  Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Broadus, MT.  A reception will follow at the “Montana” in the red velvet room.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting:  www.stevensonandsons.com.

      Should friends desire, memorial donations can be mailed to:  Rick Gatlin, P.O. Box 441, Broadus, MT 59317.