Nancy Ruth Paige

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many winged her way to heaven on the evening of January 23, 2022. Passing quietly in her sleep with husband and daughter by her side ending her three year courageous battle with cancer. This closed a gentle life filled with love and service to her family and community.

Nancy was born on October 18, 1933 to Frank and Ruth (Smith) Ledford in Grover Colorado. Her father died when she was a baby and she was placed in the care of her grandparents, Weaver and May Smith. They adopted her, became her Dad and Mom and she grew up as Nancy Smith. She graduated from Twin Bridges High School in 1953 and was a lifelong leader of reunions and celebrations of her class. As a three year varsity cheerleader she led student body and community support of the successful teams of that era including a state football championship in 1952. She was also active in student organizations, student government, 4-H and Rainbow for girls.

She and classmate Ronnie (Ronald Elmer) Paige started a friendship and partnership in the 8th grade which in its over 73 year span led to many adventures and experiences. They were married in June 1954 and enjoyed special celebrations of that event at 25, 50 and 65 years. Their children were born while their Dad was a student of Montana State College in Bozeman, son Audie Wynn in 1955 and daughter Rhonda Ann in 1957. They were her lifelong pride and joy and she stayed involved in their lives and reveled in their successes.

In her younger years, Nancy worked at the bank in Twin Bridges and later was a sales representative of the Home Interiors and Gifts Company for over 25 years. This led to meeting and working with many ladies throughout southwest Montana and interesting fun trips to national conventions. Her husband’s work took them to Virginia, Wyoming, Whitehall, Dillon, Alder and Deer Lodge but, Twin Bridges was always home and they retired north of town on what was her parents property.

Never one to be idle, retirement became busier than ever. At home it was decorating, flowers (inside and outside), crafting, cooking (locally famous for her lemon pie) and taking care of her family. In the community she was an election official, museum volunteer and 60 year member of Eastern Star. For many years she has served as a board member and treasurer of the group which built and manages the Twin Bridges Senior and Community Center. For fun, she was a Red Hat Lady, avid card player and local high school sports fan. She was rightly honored by the TBHS Booster Club and the TBHS Alumni Association.

She was preceded in death by grandparents Weaver and May Smith, father Frank Ledford, mother Ruth Ledford Brown, favorite aunt Ruby Bowie, half-sister Ruby Wandell, numerous cousins and friends. She is survived by her husband Ron, son Audie (Deadra) of Sandy Utah, daughter Rhonda (Tom) Craver of Silver Star, grandson Brandt (Laurie) Paige and great grandson Jaxon of Stockton Utah, half-sister Joan Weil of Grand Junction Colorado, several cousins and many dear friends.

The family expresses sincere thanks to Barrett Home Health and Hospice and Doctor Sandra McIntyre for their support and kind attention. She was cremated per her request. Services by K & L Mortuaries, Inc. and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Memorials can be of the donor’s choice.