Hi-Line Heroes - Judy Solomon

A hero is a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his or her brave deeds and noble qualities. Heroes come in many forms in life. We look up to our heroes. They are role models, shining examples of what we should be. They are selfless, genuinely good persons. Often, they are willing to risk their own life to save another.

Oct. 25, 1982, was a good day for the Hi-Line when Northern Montana Hospital hired Judy Solomon. It was a great day when Northern Montana Health Care transitioned Judy Solomon to the Care Center in July of 1999. I cannot think of a single person who has helped our community more. There is simply no other person who God has placed in such a key position in the right place at the right time.

No one looks forward to living at a long-term care facility. Emotions run to extremes for both patient and family members when the doctor says, "I think it's time that we start thinking about moving to the Care Center." Fear of the unknown, sadness over physical losses, loss of independence and financial concerns are just a few of the emotions that run rampant. But an angel named Judy Solomon is the first person they will meet. She understands their fears and anxieties. She not only has answers and solutions but the heartfelt commitment to always be there whenever the need arises.

Judy Solomon is one of us. She was born in Chester, Montana, to Cliff and Jennie Hatleberg, where her parents were farming with her Grandma and Grandpa Johnson. Judy joined two sisters, Beverly and Carolyn, and they lived at 911 Third St. Havre. Judy attended Lincoln, McKinley, Lincoln-McKinley, and Havre Junior High Schools. She graduated from Havre High School, which was still in the old building on Seventh Street. Following graduation, Judy attended Kinman Business University in Spokane, Washington before returning home to Havre and working for Beneficial Finance, Bosch, Kuhr, Dugdale Law Office and the railroad.

Along the way Judy married and had three children, Tammie Almas, Jeff Holsapple, and Heidi Fossler. On July 6, 1985, she married Ed Solomon and added Pam, Jack, Jeff, Tim, Cliff, Debbie, Cindy, Mary and Vicky. There are 41 grandchildren and "oodles" of greats.

After working in accounts payable and public relations, Judy moved over to Northern Montana Care Center to work the Information Center at the front desk. At that time, Joyce Warp was the admissions coordinator. But it wasn't long before Joyce was no longer able to work and Judy moved into her position. Over the years, Judy has worked for four NMCC administrators: Lori Henderson, Ron Gleason, Christin Obresley and Adam Derby.

In most cases, Judy Solomon, NMCC admissions coordinator, is the first person families/residents meet when contemplating a move to long-term care. I can not begin to tell how comforting and reassuring it is for them to realize that someone so well known in our community will be watching out for them. If Judy doesn't know them personally, she most certainly knows their relatives or friends. Having someone like this is invaluable.

Judy Solomon is one of us. She grew up on the Hi-Line, went to school here and has spent almost her entire life giving back to the community that she considers has given so much to her. How has she done this?

• By working as a team member that includes the medical staff, the financial staff, the family and especially the resident.

• Making sure that financial responsibility is clear and then offering knowledgeable help to meet financial responsibilities.

• Offering help with advance directives and even planting seeds for the need to pre-plan for funeral expenses and wishes.

• Offering assistance at any time ... night or day,

• Maintaining constant vigilance to stay within the parameters of the law while enhancing the quality of life for the residents.

Judy Solomon is one of us. Having been a lifetime resident of Hill County and a very active person within our community, Judy has many contacts and knows a great number of people. As a result, she gets calls at home because they know her. They trust Judy to help them find solutions. There is never a doubt "Judy will do her best to get the best for the residents."

Judy Solomon is one of us. Whether it's making lefse at First Lutheran Church or with the residents, she's there. If it's singing at funerals ... or with her church choir ... or with the residents ... Judy is there.

What does our community think of Judy? Here are just a few of the words of appreciation she has received:

• Laura, former Social Worker - "Judy. Judy. Judy. A mix of Minnie Mouse, Mother Goose and Annie Oakley. Annie Oakley, celebrity and legend, who had audiences with Queen Victoria of England and the King of Prussia, would have aspired to be like Judy. So full of laughter, her body almost seems too small. Judy will do anything for you - sometimes whether you like it or not, like reminding you to get your admit paperwork done, pointing out ways to be more diplomatic, and make sure you get things done almost before she asks you to do them. Judy is passionate, sharp, caring, smart and a joy. Thank you, Judy, for everything - your ear, your friendship, your guidance, and mostly, your laugh. The residents of NMCC don't even know how important you are, but I do. Take good care."

• Mary Lynne, resident's daughter - "Thank you so much for your warm and supportive welcome of my dad. During a difficult time, your caring attitude and action truly help. Your actions and words mean a lot! Thank you."

• Harold and Donna, a resident's brother and sister-in-law - "We want to express our gratitude to you and helping us through some of our most difficult times and with that we felt assured that all would work out. We are sure that it is difficult for a lot of families that you work with, but we feel fortunate that we had you to help. Thank you again for your caring, thank you for helping us get through a trying time, and thank you for your caring ways!"

• Kermit and Loretta, residents - "Thank you very much for always being available to help us. We appreciate you."

• Johanna, family member - "Judy, You are the Best - you do what you say."

To be honest, when I started thinking about writing a series of "Hi-Line Heroes" articles, my thoughts went immediately to Judy Solomon. I knew of her for many years but it wasn't until we started working together at the Care Center that I truly realized what a treasure our community has. Whether it was at her desk with family members gathered around, or in a hospital room going over an eminent transfer to the Care Center, or notarizing a legal document, or making lefse at Christmas time, or dressing up at Halloween and parading down the halls. Wherever it is, I am convinced that this angel of a lady is, indeed, a true gift from God.

It has been said that "God works up stream," meaning He puts things in place before we even know we need them. If you've ever placed a loved one in a nursing home or been there yourself, then you will agree, I am sure, that God has placed Judy Solomon in the perfect place at the perfect time.

I can't conclude this story without sharing one of my favorite stories of Judy. In 2016, my daughter Beth asked if I'd like to go to Las Vegas and see George Straight. "Of course!" I answered. So, Beth bought four tickets: one each for herself and her husband Jeff, one for daughter Amy and one for me. Feeling guilty, I asked my husband, "You wouldn't want to go see George Straight, would you?" "Sure'" he answered. So, Beth put in for five tickets, not knowing what to do with the original four tickets.

Shortly thereafter, I was visiting with Judy and mentioned Beth's dilemma with extra tickets. Without a blink of the eye, Judy exclaimed, "I'll take two!" Then she spent the rest of the afternoon recruiting someone to go with her! She found Donnabelle Warp and away we all went. It was a great trip! Judy's enthusiasm was the highlight although George Straight was pretty good, too.

Judy, you truly are a Hi-Line Hero! You are a true gift to our community and we are so thankful you do what you do. You are one of us and we stand in humility and gratitude for your part in making this area such a great place to live.

Thank you, Judy, for being my friend. I am a better person because of you.

And thank God that Judy Solomon is one of us!

Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate (or on the Hi-Line)." Proverbs 31: 29-31

--

Ila McClenahan is a retired chaplain and activity director. She and her husband, Rod, live where she was raised just off the Amos Trail north of Havre. She keeps busy volunteering for GriefShare, the museum, the hospital and Little Rockies Christian Camp. Recently, Ila was selected as a trustee for her alma mater Summit Christian College in Gering, Nebraska. She also tries to be good grandmother, supporting her grandchildren whenever and wherever. They are loved.