Nancy Fenner

Nancy Lee Fenner, 88, died June 25, 2021 at her grandson’s home in Missoula.  She was born September 26, 1932 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota to William and Ella Noble.  When Nancy was 18 months old and her sister Mary Lou was 3, the family moved to Columbus, Montana.  Bill and Ella bought a farm on the Stillwater River and soon her brother Jim arrived to complete the family.

Nancy had a wonderful childhood, attending school in Columbus.  She graduated in 1950 as Valedictorian of her class.  She married Charles N. Brown July 1, 1950 and they had four children:  Linda, Corky, Rod and Brenda.  They later divorced.  In 1969, Nancy married Darrell E. Fenner and they moved to Kalispell a year later.  Darrell was a County Extension Agent and Nancy, being a lifelong 4-H participant, supported him in all activities.  One of their greatest achievements was in building the 4-H Camp at Loon Lake and helping make it debt free in three years.  This camp was later renamed the “Darrell E Fenner 4-H Camp”.

Nancy loved music young in life and played numerous instruments.  She was in Sweet Adelines for 43 years and joined the Barbershop Group the last two years.  She sang in her church choir and participated in various committees both nationally, statewide and locally at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell.  Nancy was a wonderful community servant and eagerly lent her talents on many boards and activities.  She was a Hospice Volunteer for over 28 years and loved sports, especially playing volleyball and tennis and going to all the games she could attend.  Her childhood dream was to be a professional baseball player but she was known for her skills as a bookkeeper and did that for her occupation throughout her life.

February 1, 2021 Nancy left Kalispell after 50 years to be near her daughter, Brenda and her family.  She loved the family dinners and visits during her time in Missoula.  She was diagnosed with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis June 4.  She went to live with her grandson’s family (Michael Richter, Paige and baby Ava) for her remaining days.  Nancy loved waking up to the baby Ava smiling and having 2 year old Owen visit and spent her last days surrounded by her family and friends.

Nancy loved life to the fullest and stayed positive to the end.  She was proceeded in death by her husband, Darrell, and her daughter, Linda, as well as her parents, siblings, and two nephews.  She is survived by her children, Rod (Kathy), Corky (Pete) Bruno and Brenda (Rick) Wilmont and 9 grandchildren (Lee, Stacey, Ben, Liz, Zach, Tim, Katy, Megan and Michael) and 22 great grandchildren.

Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalispell, Montana Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at 11 a.m.   Donations may be made to Partners Hospice in Missoula, Montana or a charity of your choice.  Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.