Nancy Owens

1945 - 2025

Montana lost a dedicated scholar, educator and advocate for human rights with the death of Nancy J. Owens, of Basin, who succumbed to Alzheimer's disease on February 7, 2025.

Nancy was born in 1945 in Berkeley, California, to Don and Jean Owens. She and her four siblings grew up in Seattle where she fell in love with the beauty and drama of Puget Sound and became a sailor, windsurfer, hiker, and camper. After graduating from high school in 1963, she traveled to Guatemala with the American Friends Service Committee, which led to a life-long love of adventure and for the diversity of people around the world. Nancy received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College, Pennsylvania, and her Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of Oregon.

From 1976-80, Nancy worked as a social scientist for the Northern Cheyenne Research Project in Lame Deer, Montana. In the mid-eighties, she became the social science coordinator for the Montana Department of Natural Resources. She also served as director of the Montana Alliance for Progressive Policy and the Montana Committee for an Effective Legislature, as well as a board member of The Montana Environmental Information Center. Nancy's last job was as an organizational consultant and core faculty member in the graduate school of the Union Institute, a progressive program that provided educational opportunities for non-traditional students. All her life, Nancy was devoted to community participation and believed that fighting against racism and injustice in any form was her true calling.

In 1991, Nancy moved to the tiny town of Basin, where she co-founded the Montana Artist Refuge, an international artist residency program. She spent three years raising money and coordinating with Tom Lythgoe, Greg Overturf, Rose Bullock, and the Basin Volunteer Fire Department to replace the town's crumbling sidewalks. Her organizational and fundraising abilities often saved the day.

Nancy is survived by her son Jeremy (Jessica) Owens Boggs, four grandsons, Alex, Rafe, Duncan, and Marcus; and step-daughter Dara Boggs; brother John (Judy) Owens; sister Martha (Bill) Creech; nieces Megan, Andrea, and Sara; and nephews Donald and Chris. She is proceeded in death by her older sister Pat (Lewis) Chartok. She also leaves behind her devoted neighbors Bryher Herak and Melissa Kwasny, her walking pal Rhandi Rachlis, and her spouse of thirty-one years MJ Williams.

MJ, friends, and family would like to thank Lori Lagerquist, PA-C, for her love and dedication, The Springs at Butte for their kindness and care, Sarina Eckman for her devotion, and Honey Bee Hospice. Memorial contributions can be made to the Boulder Public Library, the American Indian Scholarship Fund and the ACLU.

A celebration of Nancy's life will be held in the spring. Nancy loved people, camping, boating, traveling, learning, and an occasional whiskey. Many thanks, Dr. Owens.