Nancy Burgess Inman

Nancy Burgess Inman

Lifelong Chinook resident Nancy Burgess Inman, 82, passed away March 3, 2012. She was born March 29, 1929, in Chinook, to Monte and Margaret (Fuller) Burgess. She attended the Ursuline Academy in Great Falls, returning to Chinook to graduate in 1947.

She met the love of her life, Bob Inman, on March 3, 1946, at a dance party. They married July 25, 1947, in Fort Benton and had 10 children.

Nancy was a very talented pianist and singer. She became an accomplished piano player at age 5.

Her faith was very important to her and Bob. As a life member of Saint Gabriel's Catholic Church, she taught First Communion classes, was a member of the Altar Society, sang in the choir and played the organ for many years. The family has wonderful memories of her singing "Ave Maria" at midnight Mass.

She loved people and they loved her. You could see her out walking every morning, brightening the day for others with her "good morning" smile. Nancy and Bob participated in the C. O.S. I. Caller Program, calling elderly shut-ins to see if they could help. She loved visiting residents at the Sweet Nursing Home, and she loved animals. Nancy collected good used toys all summer and fall, cleaned them up and donated them to children at Christmas. She was a Girl Scout leader, volunteered at school, was secretary of Blaine County Historical Society and served on the board at Sweet Memorial Nursing Home.

Her family was her top priority. Family gatherings at Grandma Nancy's were not to be missed.

She is survived by her husband, Bob, of 64 years; her sister, Shirley (Jack) McCollum of Mexico; and her 10 children: Joe (Susan) of Salt Lake City, Jim (Tiny) and Mike of Chinook, Mary Inman-Freund (Ron) McLeod, Mont., Tom (Roxie) of Drummond, Pat (Ingrid) of Helena, Margaret Reid (Brian) and Kathy Inman-Miller (Ric) of Missoula, Nancy Moriarty (Doug) of Bozeman, David (Deanna) of Great Falls, 21 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Nancy was preceded in death by her grandson, Shawn; sisters, May and Betty; brother, Tom; and parents Margaret and Monte Burgess.

Services will be at Saint Gabriel's Catholic Church in Chinook. Rosary is Thursday, March 8, at 7 p. m. Liturgy of the Resurrection will be Friday March 9, at 11 a. m. Interment will be at Kuper Memorial Cemetery. Reception will follow in the parish hall.

Memorial may be sent to St. Paul's Mission, PO Box 40, Hays, MT, or St Gabriel's Catholic Church, Chinook, MT. Arrangements are made by Edwards Funeral Home of Chinook.