Nancy Lauretta Kelley

It is with profound sadness and disbelief that we announce the unexpected, unnecessary and tragic passing of Nancy Kelley. She was sadly taken from us and heaven gained a special angel on August 1, 2025. Nancy was born in Anaconda, MT on January 28, 1961 to Mel and Ruth Holm Meidl. She attended school in Anaconda and graduated from Anaconda High School with the "Great Class of 1979". She then went on to study at MSU and U of M where she earned a degree in nursing. Nancy worked in the nursing field for over 30 years, touching so many lives. She spent the majority of this profession in ICU, but ended her career as an oncology nurse. Her smile, empathy, compassion and respect for her patients made chemo and treatments much easier for her patients and their families. Nancy provided not just technical care, but comfort and reassurance, making every person she cared for feel seen, valued and safe.Upon retiring from nursing, Nancy became a bartender at "The Owl Bar" because she loved to socialize and be with people. Nancy married Don Kelley on August 2, 1991 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Anaconda, MT. Her marriage to Don blessed her with one daughter, Kristian Kelley. Nancy and Don lived a loving and adventurous life, making many friends who became family along the way, until Don's passing in 2018. After the passing of her husband, Nancy met her best friend and partner, Jack Schiele, where new adventures and happy memories were made. Their daily routine started with having a cup of tea while sitting on the porch and visiting. Nancy was recently able to take her dream vacation with her daughter Kristian to Ireland, where lasting memories were made. Nancy enjoyed riding her Harley, going to Lincoln, MT, for the yearly "Putt-A-Thon", throwing darts, taking trips to Vegas and playing shuffleboard. She enjoyed her daily "dates" with her brother Homer, trips to Trout Creek, the Big Hole and spending time with friends and family. Nancy had many plans, so much life to live and love to give. Nancy will be welcomed into Heaven by her husband, Don Kelley; mother, Ruth Meidl; father, Mel Meidl; nephew, Bill Holm; aunt, Peggy Studahaur; and her sister-in-law, Marilyn Holm. She is survived by her daughter Kristian Kelley (Tim Etienne); partner, Jack Schiele; brother, Bob (Homer) Holm; father-in-law, Don Kelley; sister-in-law, Colleen (Jack) Jones; sister-in-law, Sharon Kelley; sister-in-law, Linda (Bill) Jenkins; nieces and nephews, Cheri (Larry) Wilson and their children, Darren (Erika) Evens and their children Aubrey and Millie; Brad Evans, David (Samantha) Cruz and their children Landon and Leon ; Terra (Neel) Deshpande and their children, Araya and Audryn; Nick (Megan) Jones and their children, Jensen and Bennett. A heartfelt and special thanks is extended to the community and businesses of Anaconda and our neighboring communities for the outpouring of love and support. We would also like to give a special thank you to our local, state and federal agencies. Your professionalism, courage and compassion have been strengths for our family and the entire community during this difficult time. In lieu of donations, her family requests that you pet an animal, hug a friend or family member, smile at a stranger, count your blessings or lift a glass and share a favorite memory. A funeral mass to celebrate Nancy's life will be held on September 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with a reception to follow.