Nancy Gene Henneford

Nancy Henneford quietly passed away at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana on November 29, 2023. For 88 years she led a full life dedicated to her family, friends, and community.

Nancy Gene Meier was born on August 10, 1935, in Hutchinson, Kansas. As the much adored first child of Vernon and Lucile, her parents found it hard to set her down, much less tell her “no.” In fact, “no” was never a part of Nancy’s vocabulary, especially in regard to her grandchildren.

Independent by nature, she left the family farm to attend nursing school in Vicksburg, Mississippi with her best friend, Nancy Dell, by her side. From Mississippi she traveled to Chicago to begin her career as a nurse. Her leadership, grit, and spicy attitude was quickly recognized, and soon after she was promoted to head nurse of the pediatric emergency room. It was there that she met the handsome medical student and love of her life, Jack Henneford. They were married on December 28, 1958, and two years later welcomed their first born son, Ross. While still in Chicago, they became a family of four with the birth of their second son, Craig. Shortly thereafter they moved to Montana. After making their home in Great Falls, their family became complete with the arrival of their third and final son, Kurt. As the boys grew up, Nancy was their biggest fan and cheerleader for all of their activities. From swim and track meets to football and basketball games, she was there, front and center.

Nancy was actively involved in the community. She was a member of various organizations including the Great Falls High Booster Club, Junior League, and the Women’s Medical Auxiliary. Especially dear to her heart was working with teenagers through the Logos program at her church, Bethel Lutheran.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She would often say that her children were all right, her grandchildren were better, but her great-grandchildren were perfect. Her favorite times were spent gathered around the table for a family meal or spoiling us with extravagant shopping expeditions. Nancy was a skilled conversationalist who made people comfortable sharing details about their lives, and then some!

Nancy is survived by her three sons, Ross (Maité) Henneford, Craig (Lisa) Henneford, and Kurt (Erika) Henneford; seven grandchildren, Johnny, Helena, Marina, Erik, Lauren, Britt, and Jake; five great-grandchildren, Thomas, Peter, Andrew, Madelynn, and Mila; and brother-in-law Gene Henneford and family, and sister-in-law Sally Keevy and family.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Lucile Meier; brother, Lynn Meier; granddaughter, Kristen Henneford Pfeiffenberger; and beloved husband, Jack Henneford.

Our heartfelt thanks goes to the Peace Hospice staff who took amazing care of Nancy during the last year of her life. Our family is eternally grateful.

Per her request, no services will be held. Condolences can be sent to O’Connor Funeral Home, 2425 8th Ave N, Great Falls, MT,  59401, which will be forwarded to the family home or shared online at www.oconnorfuneralhome.com. If desired, memorial contributions can be made to Benefis Peace Hospice or the Great Falls Public Library.