Our mother Nancy Louise Norsby passed away following complications from a stroke at the Billings Clinic Hospital in Billings Montana on Friday, May 25th.
Nancy was born November 8, 1946 at Langdon, North Dakota to Frank and Lucille (Beauchamp) Machart of Loma North Dakota. As her father was a station master Nancy had the fun of growing up with her brothers in railroad depots at Loma, and Egeland, North Dakota. In the fall of 1957 she moved with her family to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. There she loved to spend the summers and winters teaching her younger brothers how to hunt and fish.
In 1967, following a year of college at Moorhead State College, Moorhead Minnesota, Nancy began working for MAHUBE Community Council, a social services program which was part of the federal anti poverty program established under President Lyndon Johnson. She did outreach work to aid women and children at risk; she did well check follow ups for families in need, and provided transportation for members of the White Earth Indian Reservation to and from medical appointments. It was during this time that Nancy met, and later became engaged to, her older brother’s college roommate, Bill Norsby of Valier Montana. Nancy and Bill were married August 1, 1970 at Moorhead Minnesota. The first year they lived at Glyndon Minnesota where her husband Bill taught high school social studies and shop. The next year they moved back to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and later to Stanton, North Dakota before moving to Great Falls in 1978 where Bill worked for the US Department of Agriculture. In 1973, their son Douglas Jay was born and in 1977 their daughter Elizabeth LuAnn. At Great Falls Nancy worked nights as a house mother and interpreter at the School for the Deaf and Blind.
In 1980, Bill transferred to their final home in Miles City. Nancy worked as a daycare provider from her home for the first few years, before getting a job as the 4-H program coordinator through the Montana State University Extension Service. Nancy loved her work, and was proud of how quickly the program expanded. The number of clubs increased. The increase in participants necessitated expanding the number of Demonstration Days and the attendance at 4-H Camp Needmore exploded to the point that there were not enough beds in the cabins. Tents were brought in to handle the overflow.
In time the 4-H position changed. Nancy moved on to other jobs before receiving an offer to work at a substitute teacher in the rural Custer County one-room school houses. She loved the students and enjoyed the challenge of coordinating multiple grades at once. She moved from substitute teaching to a position as an aide in the Custer County District High School. Here she served as an interpreter and translator for a deaf student. She worked as a mobility aide for another young man. She became a classroom teachers aide in the special education room where she helped many students with learning disabilities and difficulties to graduate. She was sensitive to all kids and their situations, and only wanted them to have the chance to succeed. For her every graduation was a victory.
After retiring Nancy started “SageWorks” her own furniture restoration and refinishing business. She had always enjoyed working with wood and was proud of being a business owner.
All through her life, Mom could never keep still. She kept busy with many hobbies. She enjoyed helping her friend Cecila Stanley with her sheep. She loved going out to Saugus to visit her friend Mary Haughian. She enjoyed the outdoors. She enjoyed working with stained glass, taking classes at Miles City Community College, doing wood work projects, throwing pots on the potting wheel, beading hatbands on a loom, hiking the pine hills, looking for agates along the Yellowstone, and taking her children fishing back in Minnesota. She loved and found inspiration in Native American legends, lore and spirituality.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and her parents Frank and Lucille Machart. She is survived by her son, Doug Norsby (wife Sheila)of Gardner Kansas, and daughter, Liz Filler (husband Nick) of Missoula Montana, her two adored grandsons Zachary Norsby and Victor John Filler; her brothers, Victor Machart, Michael (Karen) Machart, Thomas Machart, Allen (Christol) Machart, her sister Jill Machart Newtran, and her many cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces.
Services will be held in August 2012 in Miles City. Notices as to time, place and date will be made by the family later. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials can be made to Montana Humane Society, Friends of the Miles City Public Library or to Saint Joseph’s Indian School 1301 N Main St, Chamberlain, SD 57325.
Celeste Kieffer Espeseth says
So sorry to hear of Nancys passing away. You are in my thoughts and prayers
BETTY STEINER says
My thoughts are with you all at this time. enjoyed working with Nancy over the years that I lived in Miles City.
“Make the Lord make his face shine upon you & give you peace.”
Betty Steiner
Denise Harvey says
A wonderful lady has left us to join her beloved Bill. We will miss her as we do him.
Mary Ann Holmes says
Doug and family,
I am so shocked to read of the passing of your mom. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! Hugs to you all.I wish I could be there for you.God Bless you in this difficult time.
As Always, Mary Ann Holmes
Tyler Gardner says
Sorry to hear the news of Nancy passing. She made a real positive impact on my life. Nancy was my 4-H woodworking judge for most of my 4-H career. I always enjoyed her woodworking critque’s.
Frankie and Bruce Buchert says
Doug and family,
We are sorry to hear about your mom, Nancy, she will be missed. We have you in our hearts and prayers.
Terry Annalora says
Doug and Family:
I’m so very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Pauley Witkowski says
Liz,
I am so sorry about your mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kayla (gookin) carpenter says
I m very saddened to hear the news of Nancys passing…my family lives in the purple house right next to her..she was always the nicest sweetest lady i knew…may family and friends be in my prayers…
Barb Shields says
Sorry ot hear of Nancy’s passing. Both she and Bill were the sweetest people.
Jill Machart Newtran says
Rest in Peace, Beloved Sister.
Marie Kalness says
Nancy (and Bill) were great neighbors of my folks. They visited across the fence, watched each other’s houses and generally enjoyed each other. We got acquainted on visits to town and made a special point of stopping in to say hello even after Mom moved and was gone. We will miss her (them). Thoughts and prayers are with you both and your families.
Julie Hoover-Hubbard says
Doug and Liz,
I am so sorry to hear your mom has passed, she was a wonderful woman and an inspiration to many. She made 4H so enjoyable and I am proud to have known her!
Renee Peterson says
Dear Doug and Liz,
I am so sorry to read about your mother’s passing. She was such an interesting person to visit. I will miss seeing her walk her dog. My prayers are with you.
Renee Peterson
Cathi Peila says
Nancy was always so enthusiastic and a joy to be around. 4-H years and school days at Sacred Heart for our family are full of memories with Nancy leading the way, encouraging everyone with a smile, a word or a hearty laugh. She will be missed.
Gwen (Gamrath) Gunther says
My heart fell when I saw your mother’s name listed in the obituaries Doug & Liz. I had just been fortunate enough to touch base with her again after all of these years thru my work at Glader Electric. We did a lot of catching up in a short time. I met your mom thru 4-H as she did a lot of judging for the Broadus fair. My favorite memory of her involved clerking for her one year as she judged General Projects. A little boy came in with his leatherwork projects (which we all know she was highly qualified to judge). On top of his adorably cute & very pronounced lisp, he proceeded to fill your mom with a line of bull a mile wide and a foot deep about his leatherwork. Oh but he was cute tho, and at one point she put her clipboard up to cover her mouth so he couldn’t see how hard she was working to not laugh. I didn’t dare look at her! When we finally made it thru our little guy’s interview and he walked out of the building….we laughed until we were gasping for air. His leatherwork wasn’t great, but she said he should have a blue for salesmanship! I always loved her for that moment, she truly loved kids and appreciated them for the people they are. God bless your family, she was a special lady!
Shannon & Bryan Holmen says
So sorry to hear of your sweet mother. I will always remember her in 4-H helping not only the kids but us “Big KIDS” that needed a helping hand. We (Miles City) will surely miss her.
Jerry and Joyce Strobel says
Doug and Family
Elizabeth and Family (I do not remember calling you Liz as you grew up and as your Mom and I would visit I cannot remember if she called you Liz).
I do remember special times with you kids and your Dad and Mom as you two and Steve and Bryan (graduated from Broadus but we did 4-H in Custer County)grew up.
I always so enjoyed visits with your Mom on the “streets” of Miles City. We always had things to share that we both believed in.
YOUR OBITUARY BROUGHT BACK
SPECIAL, SPECIAL THOUGHTS OF
YOUR MOM AS YOU REMINDED ME OF THINGS SHE DID IN HER LIFE AND OF THINGS THAT WE VISITED ABOUT.
Thanks for those memories.
Jerry and I pray that you will find peace in the Lord as you miss a very special Mom and Grandmother!
Do take care in Jesus,
Jerry and Joyce Strobel
Jim Lindstrom says
I had the honor of working with your Mom and the 4-H program in Eastern Montana. She was such a great partner! Camp Needmore was such a highlight. I so remember starting the repelling off the cliffs with your Mom. Her smile and “can do” attitude were infectious. Doug, remember the snake lesson you did at camp? What a joy she was and her notice of her passing brought back such wonderful memories as well as sorrow. I will always remember your Mom’s wit and passion. She was always a delight as are her memories.
Jody Herzog Fiechnter says
Doug and Family,
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jeana and Syra Brock says
Doug, We are very sad for your loss. We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Sean Donnelly and family says
Dear Liz, Doug, and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of your mom – 4-H meetings, riding back from Camp Needmore at the end of 4-H camp, riding to and from Sacred Heart basketball games and track meets, fishing at Doeden’s Island… all kinds of good memories. Your mom and dad were both such kind people and so easy to talk and listen to – your mom had so many great stories. She is truely missed. May God bless and keep you as you mourn, as I know He is welcoming her home now.
Heidi Currey-Brown says
Liz, Nick and Victor-
I am so sorry to hear about Nancy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Kistia Johnson-Golie says
Doug, Liz and Families- I was shocked and sadden to hear of your mothers passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her when she stopped out by the office while I worked with your father. She always had some wonderful furniture project to tell us about. Her stained glass work was gorgeous, such a great talent!I think of her often when I make “Rocky Road Bars”, she gave Jodi and I the recipe. They were and continue to be a hit with our family. They are so quick easy to make and simply delicious! God Bless you during this difficult time.
Liz, Doug, & family says
I am thinking of you all during this difficult time. So sorry for the loss of your mom.
Tiffany Feisthamel says
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. You have my deepest sympatht
Randy Forsland says
So sorry for your loss. Nancy meant so much to so many people. We miss her dearly.
Dave Forsland says
Trevor Fielding says
Sadly missed by all your friends across the pond, it was an honour and great priveleidge to have known you Bill and your lovely family, will miss our regular contact, but know you will always be around.
Love. Trev
Sharla Nelson Jerrel says
Doug and Liz,
Thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time. Your mom was a wonderful person and will be missed!
Shawn Wheadon & Chuck Gartside says
Liz,Doug & family,
We are so sorry to hear about your mom. She will be greatly missed by a lot of people.
Janelle Loyning (Bramhall) says
Liz-
Your mom was a special lady. Always had a great smile and a pat on the back. Got me through many of days at ccdhs. So sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family.
Melinda and Brian Lynnes says
Liz, Nick, and Victor,
What a beautiful story of Nancy’s life. I’m not sure if we’ll be back tomorrow in time for the service, but we wanted you to know that we are so sad about your loss and hope that the wonderful legacy she left will be a comfort for you all. She was so incredibly thrilled about Victor!
Blessings to you and all your family,
Melinda and Brian Lynnes
Barb and jim Fowler says
I am so sorry to hear about Nancys passing. We kept intouch with her for a long time after your dads passing but somehow got away from keeping in touch. I know she had quite a time after that, getting the house finished and all. We keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Barb an jim