Nancy Ann Whitmer
Heaven welcomed a special Angel on Feb. 12, 2021. Nancy Ann Whitmer passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Mom's heavenly welcoming committee of God and loving family members rejoice on the clouds with their special reunion.
Nancy was born on Sept. 6, 1948, to Newman and Doris (Olson) Olsgaard in Jamestown, North Dakota, and had three siblings, Mary Beth, Dave and John. Mom had a great sense of humor; her laughter instantly filled a room with joy and she always had a twinkle in her eye.
Nancy graduated from Jamestown High School and her classmates remember her as a friend to everyone. She moved to Billings in 1968 and started her 49-year career in banking with Wells Fargo and made lifelong friendships over the years. Mom met her sweetheart and husband of 50 years, Tom, at a New Year's Eve party six months after he returned from Vietnam in 1969. They married that following Thanksgiving and raised two daughters, Chris and Eileen. Her children were her greatest joy. Mom loved baking cookies with her grandchildren, reading, playing cards and her table was open to all, with extra goodies made and a meal ready.
Mom's greatest gift was loving everyone right where they were in life and making everyone feel heard and seen. One special gift was her compassion when working with the elderly and assisting those who are often overlooked. Her family takes comfort in the knowledge that now Nancy is experiencing the holy hospitality of God and is no longer struggling.
Special thanks and appreciation for the Gallagher family and staff at Compassus Hospice during the last days of her life. Their love and care of Mom and her family was truly exceptional.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Newman and Doris (Olson) Olsgaard of Jamestown; siblings, Mary Beth (Vern and Linda Anderson) of Bismarck, North Dakota, Dave (Addy Chambers) of Jamestown, John (Jane Olsgaard) of Columbia, South Carolina. Nancy is survived by her husband Tom; daughters Christine Soileau (Scott) and Eileen Purcell; Aunt June Lund (Al) of Bismarck; five grandchildren, Brian and Tori Soileau, Tate Fox and Lillian Purcell, Porter Soileau; two great-grandchildren, Estelle and Brixton Soileau; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A public visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. A private ceremony is being held for immediate family on Feb. 20, at 11 a.m., and the public may view the service by livestream at https://www.peacelutheranbillings.com/worship. A graveside ceremony will be follow at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20. at Mountview Cemetery.