Nancy Tait Jones, our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, peacefully passed on August 11, 2019, surrounded by her loving daughters, Suzie, Kate and Kris. Nancy’s last words included how blessed she was and how loved she felt.
Nancy was born September 10, 1927 at her childhood home in Whitehall, MT to George W. and Gertrude T. Tait. She joined sisters, Jeanette and Suzanne in happy Depression Era childhood escapades of backyard circus performances, roller skating with friends inside her family’s garage and dealership, and neighborhood negotiations for trading bicycle rides for horse rides. Nancy cherished her childhood experiences in the Great Depression where every community member was so willing to help one another and look out for each other. It was further reinforced during WWII when the community members generously supported one another while uniting for the war effort. The lessons of sharing, respecting and appreciating others, patriotism, and community togetherness were held close to her heart. This influenced her to become a nurse where she cared for and nurtured patients, family and friends.
Nancy graduated from Whitehall High in 1945, and from the Butte Sisters of Charity School of Nursing as a Cadet RN in 1948. She treasured her fellow nursing friends and was well respected by her professional peers and patients in the medical community. Nancy’s nursing career included working in doctor’s offices, staff nursing, hospital and nursing home supervising, home health, hospice, and emergency nursing on life flights and ambulances. While in training, Nancy met Nelson A. Jones, an Air Force veteran, a UCLA meteorology graduate, and geology student at Montana School of Mines. They were married on April 16th, 1950 by Nelson’s father, the Rev. L. E. Jones in Seattle. Nancy was an active member of the St James Nurses Association, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, PEO, Homer Club, Drama Study Club and various bridge clubs. She was an avid reader and enjoyed travels with sisters, friends, and family members throughout the United States, England, Scotland, Italy, Canada and Mexico.
Nancy and Nelson were married for 62 years when Nelson preceded her in death. Her son, Lawrence, also preceded her in death along with her two sisters, Jeanette Hiett and Sue McKay (“Mac”). Nancy is survived by her daughters, Suzie Costic of Salem, OR, Kate Jones of Redmond, WA, and Kristen Gratalo (Michael) of Boise, ID. She is also survived by her grandchildren Lexie Costic, Katie Costic (Armando), Natalie Cohen (Neil), Dominick Gratalo, and Anna Gratalo. Great grandchildren include Maddie Cohen, Henry Cohen, and Santana Arriaga Costic. She is survived by her nephews William McKay and Alan (Maggie) McKay, nieces Jeanne McKay, Ellen (Dave) Irion, and Leslie Hiett and their families.
Nancy never wanted to leave Butte. When asked why, she would always say, “It’s the people.” Her friends and community were part of her composition and spirit. She continued to love and find laughter throughout her life. In return, she received many kindnesses that made her life a full one, and her time of passing a gentle one. A Butte memorial service and luncheon will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 2300 Florence Ave. Nancy will be laid to rest at a private, family committal service at the Whitehall cemetery where she will join her husband, son, sisters and parents in rest. Memorials in memory of Nancy are suggested to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 2300 Florence Ave, Butte MT 59701, or to Senior Solutions Hospice, 2825 Lexington Ave. Suite B, Butte, MT 59701, or to Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 911 W 5th Ave., Spokane, WA 99204.
Please offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Nancy. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Nancy and her family.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Saturday October 12, 2019
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
2300 Florence Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 AM
Saturday October 12, 2019
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
2300 Florence Ave.
Butte, Montana 59701
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Debbie Powley says
I had the pleasure of meeting Nancy this past year. She was a wonderful lady and will be missed. My condolences to the family
Lonie Stimac says
I came across Nancy’s obituary today and wanted to add my own memory of my last visit with her. Her daughter-in-law, Sue Clark-Jones (Larry’s wife), regularly visited her every time she came to Montana from Texas and this time I tagged along. Over lunch at Perkins, Nancy told me stories about how much fun she had traveling the country with Sue, Larry, and Nelson of course (!), in their motor home among other times. Such adventures they had together over the years.