Nancy Louise (Gandrud) Sundvold, 77, formerly of Billings and Culbertson, passed away at her home in Jordan, MT, on August 17, 2025. She was the third child born to Joseph and Marie (Green) Gandrud in Sidney, MT.
Nancy grew up in a lively household alongside her siblings, Joey Jr., Judy, and Debbie. Family was never without its ups and downs but love always tied them together. Nancy remained proud of the nieces and nephews who came from those bonds: Joey’s daughters Lori Fryling, Teri Wolff, Joni Sherman, and Peni Peterson; Judy’s sons John Hofman Jr., Chris Hofman, Kevin Hofman, and Jim Hofman; and Debbie’s children, Dell Schledewitz and Yolonda Long. As the years went on, those children welcomed families of their own, and Nancy delighted in watching the circle of cousins and grandchildren grow even wider.
After graduating from Culbertson High School, Nancy stepped boldly into the next chapter of her life. On May 28, 1966, she married the love of her youth, Duane Sundvold. Together they built a home filled with devotion, hard work, and laughter as they welcomed three children: Sonja (Tom) Beck, Rick Sundvold, and Heidi Sundvold. Becoming a wife and mother gave Nancy her greatest sense of purpose, and those early years of raising her family were some of the most meaningful of her life.
Nancy’s life was touched by profound loss, including the passing of her husband, Duane, in 1984, and her son, Rick, in 1994. Though her heart endured more than its share of grief and hardship, she carried forward with quiet strength and resilience, leaning on her faith and cherishing the blessings of her children and grandchildren. In the end, her passing was a blessing of peace, as she was released from suffering and joyfully reunited with her husband and son in the presence of the Lord.
Nancy had a gift for people, and that gift shined brightest in the years she spent managing bars. Though she never touched alcohol herself, she was known for her steady hand, quick wit, and the way she could make anyone feel welcome the moment they walked through the door. Some of the places she left her mark were The Ranchers Bar in Jordan, the Montana Bar in Culbertson, and JJ’s in Circle. With her unforgettable poofy hair, great fashion sense, warm smile, and a Virginia Slim cigarette often in hand (at least until smoking was outlawed indoors and later when her stroke finally convinced her to give it up), she became a familiar face to many and a friend to all. She had a way of keeping conversation lively, the atmosphere light, and making sure no one left without a laugh. People still remember her big hair almost as much as her big laugh. Her ability to connect with people earned her lifelong friendships across every community she worked in. Even after a long night, she never lost her sense of humor or her knack for making others feel seen and heard. She worked diligently for all that she had, building a life filled with cherished memories and friendships, but above all, her greatest source of joy was her family. Nancy poured her heart into her children and later her grandchildren, whose lives were her proudest accomplishment and deepest comfort.
She was endlessly proud of each and every one of them. She saved newspaper clippings, photos, handmade crafts, and letters they gave her, treasuring them as keepsakes. More than anything, she lived for the moments filled with their laughter, always finding ways to make them smile. Whether you visited her home for five minutes or five hours, you never left empty-handed. She was always eager to share something she had made—her famous breadsticks with cheese dip, cookies, or banana bread. On the days she called herself “lazy,” she’d still send you off with a bag of candy or something quick to share. Yet the most cherished gift she gave as you walked out her door was always the same: a warm hug.
Nancy’s greatest joy was found in her role as “Grandma.” She poured her heart into her grandchildren, especially those she was blessed to share her daily life with in her later years. Through her daughter Sonja (Tom) Beck, she was grandmother to Ben (Katie) Beck and Brittany (Eric) Brown. Through her daughter Heidi Sundvold, she was grandmother to Danielle (Bo) Pierson, Cheyenne (Austin) Rychner, Coltin (Kourtni) Danielson, and Molly Danielson. In time, she was also blessed with great-grandchildren. While she was able to spend much of her time with only a few of the little ones, her heart held love for them all. That love will remain a guiding light for both the great-grandchildren here today and those yet to come.
In 2021, Nancy moved to Miles City due to health reasons and to be closer to her granddaughters Danielle and Cheyenne. She cherished that season of being nearer to her girls and having the blessing of time with her great-grandchildren, Rayleigh, Raxton, Cash, and Charley. Though her health made those moments fewer than she would have wished, the time they shared was deeply meaningful. Among her most treasured memories in those years were watching her granddaughter Cheyenne graduate from college in 2022, and celebrating with her “Dolly,” Danielle, on her wedding day that same year.
As time went on, Nancy’s health declined, and she faced the challenges of aging with grace and courage. Her deepest wish was to spend her final days at home, surrounded by family and love, rather than in a nursing facility. With determination and the devotion of her loved ones, she was able to do just that.
Nancy’s story reminds us of the strength found in love, faith, and perseverance. While her journey was not without trials, her legacy continues in her grandchildren, who honor her by carrying forward her best qualities and building lives rooted in faith, family, and love.
Nancy is survived by her daughters, Sonja (Tom) Beck and Heidi Sundvold; her grandchildren, Danielle (Bo) Pierson, Cheyenne (Austin) Rychner, Coltin (Kourtni) Danielson, and Molly Danielson; and her great-grandchildren, Cash, Charley, Rayleigh, and Raxton. In her later years, she was especially blessed by the love and care of her grandchildren, whose devotion will forever be part of her legacy. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and all her dear friends who will remember her with love.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Marie; her brother, Joey Jr.; her sisters, Deb (Gandrud) Nielsen and Judy (Gandrud) Hofman; her son, Rick Sundvold; and her husband, Duane Sundvold.
Our grandma was the most beautiful woman, inside and out. To us, she will always be remembered for the love she poured into us and the memories we will carry for the rest of our lives. In her honor, we choose to walk in faith, to love with open hearts, and to end the cycles that brought pain, so that her legacy shines brighter in us and in the generations yet to come.