Nancy Valdez

Nancy Leah Valdez (DeCelles), 70, of Great Falls, Montana.

Passed away peacefully on December 29, 2024, at Benefis Peace Hospice House in Great Falls, Montana, after a long battle with COPD.

Nancy was born February 24, 1954, in Fort Belknap, Montana, to Doris Marie (Doney) DeCelles, Matthew August DeCelles Sr. And was raised in Hays, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Blaine County, Montana.

Nancy attended school at the Saint Paul's Mission in Hays, Mt. The family moved to Des Moines. Washington. Nancy attended Mount Rainier High School. until she was 16. She later on earned her GED in 1975. She then pursued her higher education at the College of Great Falls, in Cascade County, Mt, where she began her studies and attended classes majoring in psychology.

She enjoyed a successful career in the hospitality industry, working as a mixologist and bartender at the Sheridan Hotel and ran the Lounge, sometimes working two jobs weekly and sometime daily. As well as the J Bar T, in in Great Falls, Mt.

Nancy was married four times throughout her life. In 1970, she married Arthur Podvin in Kings County, Washington, they later divorced. In 1975, She subsequently married Kenneth Hartford in March of 1977 they had a daughter, and named her Kristy Lea,

October of 1978, Nancy and Ken would later divorce, But remain to have a close friendship, She married Allen Parkin who she divorced in 1983. In 1988, she married Daniel Valdez, did some traveling with him untill one day they separated only to divorce yet again.

Nancy was a beloved member of her community and was recognized with the prestigious Parent of the Year award during the yearly Native American award ceremony. In CMR high school located in Great Falls.

She was known for her outgoing personality, her infectious laughter, and her kind and compassionate spirit. Nancy had a zest for life, always enjoying activities like garage sales and Goodwill finds, she loved learning new things. She was a devoted fan of the Netflix series "Wentworth" and enjoyed staying connected with friends and family through Facebook.

Nancy cherished her family deeply, particularly her grandson Matthew August James DeWitt and her special needs and very talented granddaughter, Khrystal Shyanne DeWitt. Nancy gave herself to others most of her life, in 1996-1997 Nancy sold her own home to go live and take care of her own dying mother. In fact Nancy took care of her mother at many different times in her life, including any family or friend who needed her help. She was never a selfish person and had one heart of gold.

She is survived by and will be deeply missed by her only child, Kristy Lea Hartford of Montana; and her grandchildren, Matthew & (Jessica) DeWitt of Illinois. Khrystal DeWitt of Florida and Elizabeth DeWitt of Montana; also by her Sister and Best friend, Doris Dutra of Massachusetts; not to forget, by many of her nieces and nephews and numerous friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her Parents Doris and Matthew DeCelles. Her five brothers, Matthew DeCelles, Rodrick DeCelles, Theodore DeCelles, Harvey DeCelles, and Dallas DeCelles. Also Three Sisters, Mary E, DeCelles, Caroline Tyler, and Thelma Aldridge. She is also preceded in death by her life partner of 31 years, Perry Davis, and many of her Fur babies, who she missed and loved dearly, including many of her dear friends and loving family.

Nancy requested to be cremated and to not have a viewing or a funeral. At a later date an announcement will be posted on social media for her memorial. A celebration in the months of summer, for the life she lived with the people she loved. With all the news and gossip she wouldn't want to miss.

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