Marcus L. Nance Marcus L. Nance, III, long time Birney rancher, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at his apartment in the Vista at Mission Ridge in Billings.

Mark was born Aug. 1, 1916, in Jackson, Miss., son of Mamie Powell Nance and Dr. Marcus L. Nance II. In a tragic accident, he lost his father in 1917. He spent his younger years in Mississippi with his mother and grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. William Powell. They made frequent trips to Montana to visit his mother's sisters and their husbands, Joe and B Brown and Albert and Annie May Brown at the ranch in Birney. Eventually, with his grandparents, he and his mother moved to Montana and Mark developed his love of ranching.

Mark graduated from high school in Sheridan, Wyo., where he was known for his skills in basketball. In 1934, he enrolled at Tulane University in New Orleans, to study pre-med. Times were tough in the '30s and any extra cash was appreciated. Mark loved to practice his rope tricks learned on the ranch, on the corner in front of his fraternity house. He was spotted by an entertainer and asked to be the opening act at the Roosevelt Hotel for Ethel Merman. He gratefully accepted and so began the many interesting stories of his life... stories too numerous to repeat here, but beloved stories to his family.

As a junior in college, Mark transferred to the University of Minnesota. There he met the love of his life, Ruth Ellison. Ruth was born and raised in St. Paul and was a classical pianist. Together, they graduated from the University of Minnesota, she with a degree in music, and he with a degree in psychology. They married in St. Paul in 1939 and decided to make their life at the ranch in Birney. Each brought an equal love and passion of ranching as they built their life together.

They raised three children among the wonderful family and friends of the Birney community. His aunt B and uncle Joe Brown, along with his grandparents and cousins Nancy Hayes and her husband Art, and Buster Brown, and many other family members, were an integral part of his life, as well as his family's life. He enjoyed many years as a board member of the Production Credit Association and was known for his interest and knowledge of the financial world.

In 1979, he lost his beloved wife Ruth. He continued to ranch and spent his last few years either on his computer, following the stock market, or riding his four wheeler, chasing cattle back across the river. He continued to live an active life on the ranch through the age of 87. His life was enriched by the presence at the ranch of Lea and Kelly Gundlach and their children, Mandy and Levi. He loved them as family and they reciprocated with endless acts of kindness. With astonishing strength and will power, he lived life on his terms. His lasting gift to his children and grandchildren was his sense of optimism.

In August of 2004, following hip surgery, he moved to the Vista at Mission Ridge. There, he exhibited once more his amazing ability to adapt to change. He truly loved the staff of Mission Ridge and made wonderful new friends. His family extends their eternal gratitude to those friends and staff who made his last months so wonderful.

Mark is survived by his son, Marcus L. Nance IV and his wife Kim of Seattle; his son, Jay T. Nance of Birney; and his daughter, Susanne Boedecker and her husband Brett of Billings.

Additionally, he is survived by his son Mark's two children, Marcus L. Nance V and his wife Marce and their four children of Brisbane, Australia, Lindsey Hoffman and her husband Steve and their two children of Seattle; his son Jay's two children, Jay Nance and his wife Kristin and their three children of Truckee, Calif., and Kathy and Jon Dietz and their two children of Billings; and finally Sue's three children, Brock Boedecker and his wife Kellie and their son of Billings, Ruth Hertel and her husband Koly and their two children of Moore, and Beth Schneider and her husband Jason of Bozeman.

The family would like to express special thank to Walt Fairfax, his physician and friend of many years, and also to the wonderful staff in his office. The family also extends thanks to Big Sky Hospice and once again to the staff of Mission Ridge.

Services will be held on Monday, Jan. 24, at 11 a.m., at Kane Funeral Home in Sheridan, Wyo. Memorials may be given to the charity of your choice.