Nancy Ann Watson, 58, passed away at her home in Columbia Falls surrounded by her loving family and friends on Wednesday, March 11, 2009. She was born to John Floyd and Audrey Jones in Mankato, Minn., on January 22, 1951.

Nancy was raised in Mankato, where she attended elementary and high school. She graduated from Mankato High School in 1969 and went on to Mankato Beauty School, graduating in 1971.

Nancy worked as a cosmetologist/hairdresser for 30 years in Mankato and Whitefish.

She was involved in numerous community activities, including the Red Hat Society, Flathead Valley Dance and Jazz, Democratic Party of Montana, the American Diabetes Association and the AARP. She was very supportive of community concerts and plays. She was an avid advocate for health care for all.

Nancy participated in a number of hobbies and interests. She enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, potluck social events and sewing. She had a great love of animals, especially her Imee and Heidi. She had a love for the great Montana outdoors. She participated in various Native American activities, including sweats and powwows. Nancy was an avid reader. Some of her favorite authors were Thich Nhat Hanh and Bill Wilson.

Nancy loved talking to and spending time with her family and friends. She loved her Thursday movie date nights and being married to her beloved husband, Paul.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Paul, of Columbia Falls; her daughter, Samantha Devens, and her granddaughters, Destinee Martin and Hannah Blank of Mankato; mother-in-law, Ella Mae Watson, of Syringa, Idaho; her sisters, Gail Jones (Jan Carney) of Mankato, and Cari White of Mankato; and brothers, Dan (Mary) Jones of Brooklyn Park, Minn., and Chuck (Michelle) Jones of Brownton, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Audrey Jones; sisters, Patty and Margaret Mary Jones; and brother-in-law, Robert Watson.

Nancy's memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, at the Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A potluck will be held at Paul and Nancy's home at 1132 Fourth Ave. W. following the memorial service. Please help us to continue to celebrate Nancy's life.

Memorials are requested to be sent to the Home Options-Hospice at 175 Common Loop, Suite 100, Kalispell, MT 59901.