Nancy Ann Foster, born October 18, 1938, to Burt and Irene Hummer, passed away on May 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

At the age of seven, in 1945 Nancy experienced the profound loss of her parents and was moved to Ovando, where she was raised by her Uncle Weldon and Aunt Ruth Hiatt on their dairy farm. These early experiences shaped the strength, resilience, and quiet grace that defined her throughout her life.

When she started high school, she moved to her brother’s home (Joseph & Betty Hummer) in East Missoula. While attending, she met the love of her life, Donald Oliver Foster. They were married on February 14, 1956. Together, they built a life centered on hard work, devotion to family, and shared passions, and were blessed with three daughters: Cindy Ann, Dawn Irene, and Julie Marie. They owned and operated the Western Auto / OK Hardware store for many years; Nancy and Don became a familiar and valued part of their community.

Nancy later worked at Sun Mountain Sports and went on to become a bus driver for Beach Transportation, where she was known for her friendly smile, reliability, and genuine care she showed to those she served.

In retirement, Nancy found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She spent time decorating birdhouses lovingly crafted by her husband, and together they enjoyed road trips to Washington State, and down through the Washington, Oregon and California coast, creating memories that her family will treasure forever.

In her later years, Nancy faced dementia with remarkable grace. Even as her memory changed, her kindness, warmth, and positive spirit remained constant. She lived in the Seattle area for a little over eight years, where she continued to share meaningful time with family. She returned to Missoula in July 2025 to be closer to loved ones, where she was supported at Edgewood Vista Memory Care.

Nancy is survived by her three daughters: Cindy Schutter; Dawn Briggs (Mike); and Julie Foster (Doug); her brother, Jack Hummer (BettyJo); her grandchildren, Michael Briggs, Lyndsey Foster, Danielle Maze (Luca), and Jaimie Lee (Ryan); as well as nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Burt and Irene Hummer; her husband, Donald Oliver Foster; her granddaughter, Rhiannon Briggs; and her brothers, Joseph, Robert, and James Hummer.

Nancy will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, and the deep love she had for her family. Her zest for life and her enduring love will live on in all who knew her.

Nancy’s memorial will be held May 22nd, 2026 at 1:00pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 1756 S 10th W, Missoula, MT 59801

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation  to the Alzhimers Dementia Association