Nancy Ellen Wood, 85, of Great Falls, MT passed away July 8, 2015 at Peace Hospice of natural causes. A scattering of her cremated remains will take place at a later date with her family and friends, at her favorite campsite in South Dakota, where other family members have also been scattered. She was a mother, grandmother and a friend to many.

Nancy was born on February 6, 1930 in Albion, MI to Howard Hakes and Minnie Ellis. Growing up in Albion during the Great Depression and losing her father at a young age endowed her with strength and courage, allowing her to both attend school while holding down a job to help support her family. In 1930 she met the love of her life, Harold Wood, and their union gave birth to four wonderful children within a four year span.

Harold was an Airman in the Air Force, which meant moving on a regular basis. Calling on her strength gained during her childhood, she made moving an enjoyable routine for her family as she created a home no matter where they lived. His career took them to such places as Michigan, Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota and Alaska, the latter being her favorite. In the mid ‘70’s their family moved to Great Falls, MT where they set up roots and remained there until their passing.

Nancy’s favorite things to do with her family included camping, family hunting trips, sight-seeing, and enjoying the great outdoors. Nancy was admired as a great camp cook, running the camp kitchen like she was in her own home. She was an awesome baker, known for her “apple pan downy”. Nancy’s main passion in life was quilting and sewing, especially with her life-long friend Elsie. She belonged to the Peace Lutheran Quilting Club taking pride in donating the quilts they made to nursing homes, hospitals, and families in need.

Her survivors include her sons, Harold Jr. “Butch” (Laura) of Anchorage, AK and Spencer (Dana) of Idaho; daughters, Randie Croshaw and Deborah (Carl) Sims both of Salem, OR; sister, Marjorie Burns of Albion, MI; 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Those who have preceded her in death include her beloved husband Harold; her parents; her sister Skeeter and her brother Bob.

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