Nancy Lee Claydon

Nancy Lee Claydon, 56, passed away from unknown causes at her home in Columbia Falls on Jan. 10, 2013.

Nancy was born in Rochester, Minn., on April 15, 1956 to James and Joyce Claydon. She was the youngest of four children. Nancy spent her entire childhood in Rochester and enjoyed many summers at the family cabin in Hayward, Wisc. She graduated from Mayo High School in 1974.

Nancy then moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana, where she graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She moved to Whitefish with friends in the fall of 1978 to spend one winter skiing and working, and ended up staying in the Flathead Valley for the rest of her life. Nancy was married to Terry Conat of Whitefish from 1981-2008.

During her time in the Flathead Valley, Nancy had a wide variety of jobs including working at The Viking Lodge, Kiddie Korner, Next Level Fitness, and most recently at Stephen Isley Jewelry. She spent many years at home raising her kids while also staying active as a volunteer for her children’s schools and local organizations such as the Humane Society.

Nancy’s passions in life were being active and enjoying the great outdoors. She loved to hike, snowshoe, spend time at the river or lake, and take daily walks with her dog. Whether on vacation in Hawaii or going on a hike in Glacier Park, Nancy’s love for nature was vast. Her other passions were her children and pets, whom she loved immensely. Nancy was known for her quick wit, sunny disposition, and zest for life. She truly lived each day to the fullest.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Sara Kurashige and son-in-law, Aaron Kurashige, of Bow, Wash.; her son, Weston Conat, of Portland, Ore.; her daughter, Lexie Conat, of San Juan Bautista, Calif.; her step-daughter, Stacey Taylor, of Alexandria, Va.; her step-daughter, Brandie Elia, of Gilroy, Calif.; and her five grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Elizabeth Klopp, of Rochester, Minn; her sister, Sally Nathanson, and brother-in-law, David Nathanson, of Middleton, Wisc.; and her five nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her brother, Jon Claydon, and her parents, James Claydon and Joyce Claydon.

A memorial service was held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 at Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish with a reception at the Bohemian Grange Hall. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Northwest Montana, PO Box 221, Kalispell, MT 59903.

You are invited to go to www.austinfh.com to offer condolences, share memories and view Nancy’s tribute wall. Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home.