September 13th, 2017

​Nyla Kay Velk Long
Nyla Kay Velk Long, 64, passed away in her home in Deer Lodge on Friday, September 8, 2017 after a second battle with cancer.  She was a native of Havre, born on December 2, 1952 to Tom and Joyce Velk.  Her family moved to Great Falls in 1968, where she completed high school.  She earned her teaching degree from Northern Montana College in Havre and started teaching in Deer Lodge in 1977.  She taught junior high English, the gifted and talented program, and was the school librarian during her career there.  She also spent six years in Malta where she worked as a substitute teacher and special education paraprofessional.
Nyla was a support system, listening ear, and source of humor for all who knew her.  She was a loving friend, mother, wife, daughter, and sister.  She will be remembered and missed greatly.  Nyla is survived by her husband of 35 years, Huey, daughters, Mandy and Jocee, grandson, Hudson, father, Tom, sisters, Vicki and Sue, and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and aunts and uncles.  She is preceded in death by her mother, Joyce Velk.  
Please bring a story or memory to share at a celebration of Nyla’s life on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Elks Lodge in Deer Lodge.  

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