Nancy Louise (Gandrud) Sundvold, 77, formerly of Culbertson, died Aug. 17, 2025, at her home in Jordan.
She was the third child born to Joseph and Marie (Green) Gandrud in Sidney She 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.
After graduating from Culbertson High School, she 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 Beck, Rick Sundvold and Heidi Sundvold.
Her life was touched by profound loss, including the death 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.
She 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.
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. 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. Her greatest joy was found in her role as “grandma.”
In 2021, she 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. Though her health made those moments fewer than she would have wished, the time they shared was deeply meaningful.
As her health declined, 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. With determination and the devotion of her loved ones, she was able to do just that.
She is survived by her daughters, Sonja Beck and Heidi Sundvold; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her brother, Joey Jr.; sisters, Deb (Gandrud) Nielsen and Judy (Gandrud) Hofman; son, Rick Sundvold; and husband, Duane Sundvold.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at Hillside Cemetery in Culbertson.
