On Thursday, March 7th our mother passed away just an hour before her grandson River’s first state basketball game. She was his biggest fan and I know she was watching him and cheering him on.
Nancy was born August 17, 1940 to Winston and Pearl Ward in Long Beach, California. She was so proud of her family being the daughter of a naval officer growing up across the street from the naval base in San Diego, California. After graduating from Point Loma High School, she attended San Diego State College. Later her and her best friend Kathy moved to Montana to work at Yellowstone National Park. It was there she met our dad, Don Standish. He played music and caused all kinds of trouble, I’m sure that was the attraction. They later moved to Anaconda in 1963 where she worked at Galen Hospital in the kitchen where she met many lifelong friends. In 1974, she joined the laborers union Local #1334 where she worked as a bricklayer, laborer and later a flagger on road construction until retirement in 2000. During her winters of layoff she worked with her friend Dora cooking the famous chocolate chip cookies at Discovery Ski Resort.
Nancy always enjoyed a great time whether it was with Don at the Mill or Red’s Bar. She loved camping with friends and family at Sportsman’s Campground singing around the campfire. She enjoyed holidays, especially the Sunnyside Halloween parties where she was known for her deviled eggs. Growing up with our parents was a blast. We always had people over for jam sessions, parties and our doors were always open.
In 1998, mom was so excited to meet her first grandchild Braelyn. Later came Landon, Gracie Jo, Canyon, River and Greta. They were her world! She was such a huge part of our lives. We talked to her every day, countless times a day, usually because she hit the mute button or accidentally hung up on us and blamed it on the phone.
We will miss her sleepovers before a holiday just so she could see the excitement in their faces when they woke up. Mom you will be missed by so many, especially us.
Nancy is preceded in death by her husband Don, parents Winston and Pearl, brothers Wini, Frank (Skip) and Tom Ward. She is survived by her daughter Shannon (Rob) Hurley and their children Landon, Canyon and River. Son Jesse Standish and his daughters Braelyn, Gracie Jo and Greta. Also, Chad (Vione) Standish, Cordell and Cassie, Cheyenne (Tawni) Standish, Deziree, Rochelle, Dawn, Montana, Chance and Harlea. And in 2020 Nancy was connected through Ancestry with her oldest son Dave (Barb) Polette. She is also survived by her sister Carroll (Peter) Davis of San Diego.
Axelson Funeral & Cremation Services is privileged to care for Nancy and her family.
Please visit below to leave a condolence or a memory of Nancy.
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Jackie Bock says
Shannon so sorry to hear your mom passing. She was a great lady I always enjoyed visiting with her. She will be with you always. Love, hugs and sunshine💞🥰 Jackie Bock
Michele Loshesky Rieber says
Shannon and Jesse, your mom was such an awesome lady! I was introduced to her by my sister in law Colleen and just thought the world of your mom!! She seemed so y afraid of typical day to day occurrences, d sad he lived life large and in charge!! A great woman to be admired!!
Michele Loshesky Rieber says
My post was not quite what I had typed , and I was unable to correct the original post. Your mom was so strong and such a good hearted woman!! Please disregard the incorrect parts of my original post!!
Nancy was an awesome woman!!
Gene Opp says
We sure had a lot of fun back in the days. Shannon, your Mom was truly one of a kind, and we sure will miss her. Her spirit lives on. Sending deepest sympathies. Gene and Lia