Nancy Ann Dillner September 15, 1935 - June 9, 2021

Nancy Ann Dillner, 85, passed away on June 9^th, 2021, surrounded by her loving family, after a brief battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Gene, her daughters Becky Ogburn (Thad) of Raleigh, NC, and Jennifer McLaughlin of Great Falls, MT, and her adoring grandchildren, Macoy McLaughlin (25), Emerson McLaughlin (23) and Parker Ogburn (20).

Nancy made her grand appearance on September 15, 1935, while visiting family in North Platte, NE, to George and Jessie Nicholson. She was an only child raised in Denver, CO, and the Nicholsons made sure Nancy saw the world with adventures across the United States and a cruise to Europe.

Nancy graduated from East High School in Denver, and went on to study Occupational Therapy at Colorado State University, where she met her husband, Gene. They married in 1958 and moved to El Paso just after getting married. Nancy taught Special Ed for El Paso Schools while Gene served in the Army. They moved back to Denver for a short time and in 1960 moved to Great Falls, MT.

While in Montana, Nancy taught Special Education at Easter Seals of Montana before having her daughters Becky and Jennifer. She was heavily involved with PEO International, the Junior League of Great Falls and served on several committees at the First Presbyterian Church. Nancy was always crafty and started a business with some friends. She continued crafting and teaching classes until she passed.

Nancy and Gene moved to Boise in 1990, where Nancy quickly became involved with the Questers Antique group, First United Methodist Church and the First United Methodist Women’s Association.

Nancy was one of the kindest, funniest, strongest and most supportive people you could ever meet. She fiercely loved her husband and daughters. She bonded with her grandchildren over everything from American Girl dolls to soccer games to Lady Gaga.

She was an amazing cook who guarded her eggnog rum cake recipe zealously. She’d drive all over town for a good sale or bargain. And she’d drive even further to take a casserole or dessert to someone just when they needed it most.

She didn’t do “the computer,” but sent hand-written letters regularly – usually enclosing newspaper and magazine clippings she thought you’d enjoy. She cherished family dinners with fierce board game battles afterward. She loved antique shops, wine with a single ice cube in it, craft fairs, Broadway shows, soccer games, “Dancing With the Stars” and the Hallmark Channel.

She served with more church committees, neighborhood groups or charity organizations than you could count. If you met her once, she’d remember you — and you’d certainly remember her. If you needed a meal, you could count on a visit from Nancy.

Nancy and Gene enjoyed travel to 8 Canadian Provinces and 45 states, which included road trips (called “Where in the World are Gene and Nancy” by her family) to North Carolina for the past 20 years.

We will miss Nancy and her “Oh, for heaven’s sake, Gene” and “Oh, dear” (note: must be said with a midwestern accent) comments, and her calls just to check in.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the American Cancer Society or PEO Chapter AJ, c/o Kaye Shirey, Treasurer, 5070 Lakemont Lane, Boise, ID 83714.

A memorial service will take place at a later date.

We thank you all for the support, meals, prayers, well wishes and memories shared of Nancy. They have carried us through this difficult time and we know Nancy is grateful from above.

A friend recently told us that you can’t lose something when you know where it is – and if you know Nancy, you know that’s a beautiful spot (with plenty of good deals and penny slot machines).