Nancy Elliot Ford

Nancy Ford passed away on Feb. 14, 2010, at her home in Westpark Village. She was two weeks shy of her 90th birthday.

Nancy was born on Feb. 29, 1920, in Kalispell, to Evelyn and Thomas Elliot. Since she was a Leap Year baby, her parents would have elaborate birthday parties for her every four years that would be written up in the local paper. She was the Elliots' fourth child and was born much later than her siblings. There were 16 years between her and her oldest brother. One of her fondest memories was when she was 16 and her brother was old enough to take her to the World's Fair in Chicago without her parents.

Nancy was schooled in the Kalispell public school system. She attended Carleton College in Minnesota for two years. Wanting a change, she then transferred to the University of Washington, where she graduated in 1942 with a degree in English. During her college years, she was a member of Gamma Phi sorority.

At the University of Washington, Nancy met the man who would be her husband for 65 years, Jack Ford. They were married in Kalispell in June of 1942. After their wedding, they lived in Seattle and worked for Boeing until Jack joined the Army during WWII. When they were stationed in Grass Valley, Calif., in 1945, their first daughter, Jean, was born. After the war, Nancy and Jack returned to Montana, settling in Billings, where Jack managed Elliot's Furniture. In 1951, their second daughter, Deborah, was born. Even though the family lived in Billings, strong ties were always maintained with the Kalispell area as summer vacations were spent at the Elliot family home on Flathead Lake.

Nancy worked as a secretary for the Billings Girl Scout Council for over 10 years. After quitting that job, she volunteered for 10 years as a Pink lady at The Billings Clinic (then Deaconess Hospital). She was active in the First Congregational Church, where she was a member for over 50 years, playing the piano for the Sunday school classes and doing other church work. Nancy was also a long time member of PEO Chapter E in Billings. She enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of two bridge clubs over the years. Nancy enjoyed theater and held season tickets at Alberta Bair Theater for many years.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers and one sister. She is survived by her daughter, Jean Dove of Billings; her daughter, Deborah Powell (David) of Billings; her grandson, Jim Powell (Gloria) of Billings; two great-grandchildren, Daniel and Stephanie Powell of Billings; and one nephew, Jeffrey Elliot of New York.

Nancy was a great support to her daughters over her life and she will be greatly missed.

Per Nancy's request, no service is planned. A reception in Nancy's honor will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 23, from  5 to 7 p.m., at the Billings Petroleum Club, 22nd floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Cremation has taken place and interment will take place at Conrad Memorial Cemetery in Kalispell at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Alberta Bair Theater, PO Box 1556, Billings, MT 59103 or to the charity of your choice.

Nancy's family would like to thank Irene and the rest of the staff at Westpark Village for the care they gave during this difficult time. Also, thanks to Dr. Gerstner who cared for Nancy for many years and to Rocky Mountain Hospice. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and remembrances may be left for the family at www.michelottisawyers.com.