Nancy M. Kemp (Gamble), age 77, of Helena

Nancy Marie Kemp (Gamble) passed away late Wednesday night February 7^th, 2024, with her loving children by her side. She was 77.

Born on July 4^th, 1946, in La Cross Wisconsin, to Richard A. and Dona Marie (Reinsvold) Hammes, Nancy was the second of their four children. The family moved to Livingston MT, in 1949. As a child Nancy attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Park Senior High School in 1964. She continued her education in Nursing while attending Carroll College in Helena, MT.

In 1967 she met Bill Kemp while she was working as a lifeguard at the Livingston City pool. Mom smiled when she shared the story of how dad being a signalman in the US Navy told her he loved her the first time with semaphore flag signals. They were married on October 14^th, 1967, and blessed with three daughters, Kari, Wendy, and Kellie and a son, Duane. Nancy and Bill were married for 42 years before Bill’s passing on April 2^nd, 2010.

Nancy worked several different jobs over her life including as a ward clerk at Livingston Memorial Hospital, lifeguard/instructor and later manager of Livingston City Pool, a clerk at Anthony’s and her most treasured job as a homemaker for her kids and granddaughters. She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Mary’s church in both Livingston and later in Helena. She loved attending mass, serving the church as needed, and being a cantor. She assisted in directing the St. Mary’s children’s choirs in Livingston and was the church choir director at Liberty Chapel while living on Mountain Home AFB. Mom often recalled the joy she had singing with the St. Mary’s choirs and cherished the lifelong friendships she made during that time.  She enjoyed camping, spending time at the Smith Creek family cabins and loved our family stress relief gatherings at Pizza Hut where we would talk for hours and laugh till we cried. Playing card games was a must in our family. Mom learned from her dad. She was always willing to play and often got lost for hours in a good game of Cribbage, Pinochle, or Russian Rummy. She was an avid crocheter, always keeping her hands busy with a hook and ball of yarn. There wasn’t a pattern she wouldn’t try. All you had to do was tell her what color you wanted and away she’d go to finish it as soon as possible.

Nancy went back to school in 1986, this time attending Montana State University and graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She became the lead instructor with the Livingston Head Start Program and substitute taught throughout the school district. After moving to Mountain Home ID, in 1994 to be closer to her daughter and granddaughters she used her teaching skills to create learning boards, flashcards and other activities which strengthened their love of learning and successfully propelled them into higher education later in life. Nancy adored her grandchildren and happily passed on her love of reading and music to each of them.

Later in life after Bill’s death, Nancy reconnected with an old high school friend, Dale Gamble. Their friendship grew into love, and they were married on September 3^rd, 2011. They were married until Dale’s passing in June 2021.  She moved into the Son Heaven Assisted Living facility in Helena shortly after. There she often made new friends and found it comforting to learn about the lives of those she befriended.  Even while living in the assisted living home, Nancy was quick to mother anyone who needed a little help and even faster to holler “Bingo”!

Mom frequently said, “Everyone needs at least one hug a day to survive but more would be better” and always made sure to give us our hugs, even through the phone whenever necessary. Mom, we are sending you our hugs now through our memories and prayers. You will be profoundly missed.

Nancy is survived by her sister Susan (Bob) Strand, brother George Hammes, daughters; Kari (Mickey) Stockwell, Wendy (Richard) Wood, Kellie (Patrick) Stewart, Son Duane “Dewey” Kemp, 9 grandchildren, Patricia Stockwell, Christina (Dustin) Emerson, Danika (Micheal) Hopkins, Justus Stockwell, Chrystal (Caden) Stockwell, Jordan (Cody) Elliott, Bailey Stewart, Dalton Stewart, Devin Stewart and 7 great grandchildren, Aden, Evelyn, Dante, Isabella, Malia, Rylee and Rori. And numerous Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents Richard and Dona Hammes, sister Judy Hammes, Husbands William D. Kemp and Dale R Gamble, sister-in-law, Ardith Hammes and niece Susan Simone Strand.

A celebration of life and burial will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in Nancy Kemp’s name to The Shane Center, 415 East Lewis St. Livingston, MT

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