Nellie Jo McLinden

Nellie Jo McLinden of Heron, MT, passed away peacefully early morning Sunday May 18 surrounded by loved ones.

Jo was born on September 20, 1947, in Telluride, CO, to Harold and Midge Urch.

Jo and her family moved around during the early years following work through the Southwest, but Heron was always home to her. Jo was a graduate of Noxon High School, which is where she met her best friend and husband of 60 years, Barney. Jo loved recalling their love story to anyone who would listen. One of her favorite stories was when her “Barnyard” followed her family all the way to Las Vegas and finally won over her parents with his grand gesture. They were wed on September 18, 1965.

Jo and Barney moved around a bit in the first years of their marriage, but finally returned home to Heron in 1970. They lived in Jo’s childhood home, where they were able to raise their children– Tony, Dustin, and Tammy Jo.

While the kids were growing up, Jo spent a majority of her time volunteering at the school and dedicating her time to cheering on her boys during every activity. As they got older, weekends were spent traveling across the state and never missing a sporting event. This continued on with her grand kids. Her kids weren’t the only athletes in the family though. Some of Jo’s fondest memories were traveling around with her softball team and getting the opportunity to represent Heron at tournaments.

Jo loved being involved in the community, and the beginning of The Heron Players reinvigorated this passion. Jo worked behind the scenes of the theater group helping plan and prepare meals, write the plays, help with costume design, and lit up the stage with her wacky characters. Some of Shelbie’s favorite memories growing up were helping her Grammy rehearse lines and prepare for the shows.

Jo is survived by her husband, Barney; two sons Tony (Marci) and Dustin; two grandchildren Shelbie and Shane; and two sisters Benny Beaty (Rusty) and Cherry Urch (Jeff); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. In her passing, Jo is reunited with her daughter, Tammy Jo, and parents, Harold and Midge.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 23rd at Heron Cemetery. The service will begin at 11 AM Mountain Standard Time  with coffee and refreshments to follow at The Heron Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sunset Home, 510920 Hwy 95, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805. The family would like to thank the incredible staff at Sunset Home for their compassionate care during Jo’s last weeks.