Nancy (Maciel) Worstell

Nancy (Maciel) Worstell, 48, of Billings passed away on April 14, 2019, at her home, surrounded by her family. Nancy loved and admired butterflies, and now her own life has been transformed into something more beautiful and free from illness.

Nancy was born on May 20, 1970, in Billings, to Sal and Sally Maciel, one of three girls. She had an abiding love for Billings and its surroundings, being fond of the Rims.

She graduated from Billings Senior High in 1988.

Nancy's drive and ability to connect with business owners and managers enabled her to enjoy a very successful career in advertising sales with The Billings Gazette, KTVQ and Bresnan. Her most recent job was assisting Pat Schindele's real estate business until health challenges forced her to leave work that she thoroughly enjoyed.

Nancy loved her family fiercely and believed in finding the positive in any situation, challenge or person. Her kids were told at least a thousand times "encourage, don't discourage," and this is the way she lived, even through years of painful and frustrating health issues. Making a sweet treat for a significant accomplishment or writing encouraging words during challenging times were part of her everyday habits.

She was small in stature, standing barely five feet, one inch tall, but she refused to be pushed around by anyone. She stood up for people and her opinions, and demanded that everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. She was competitive and driven while at work, and she loved the feeling of putting in an honest day of hard work.

She loved adventures and she got to travel with family to Hawaii, Mexico, Niagara Falls, Washington D.C., California and New York City. While she was in New York City, she fulfilled a dream of visiting the famous Tiffany jewelry store on Fifth Avenue. She was determined to find a piece to commemorate her visit. She was so excited that immediately upon being greeted by a salesperson, she abandoned her traveling companions. She spent the next hour admiring the store and its treasures. She later found her companions and they found she had not left the store emptyhanded.

Her greatest joy in life was her family, whether that was taking in one of her boys' sporting events, holiday gatherings or family game and movie nights. Nieces and nephews knew they were loved because they received phone calls, text messages and presents on special occasions. No one was forgotten in Nancy's life.

She was preceded in death by her father, Sal.

She is survived by her husband Dave; sons, Ryan Ferro of Bozeman, Logan Gallagher of Billings; stepdaughter Shay Worstell of Billings; mother, Sally Maciel of Billings; sisters, Tricia (Bob) Burchell of Campbell, California, and MaDonna Maciel of Billings.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at Michelotti Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave.

Cremation has already taken place.

If desired, memorial contributions can be made to the Logan Gallagher educational fund at Altana Credit Union.

A special thank you is extended to the outstanding team at the Billings Clinic Dialysis Center - your care, expertise and compassion makes a difference. Nancy wanted to also thank all of the teachers and baseball, football and wrestling coaches who have helped develop her children into the fantastic young adults that they have become. Ryan, Logan and Shay: Mom is very proud of each one of you.

The next time that you see a butterfly, think of Nancy and share in our belief that she is comfortable, warm and was able to live a life that was full of adventure and filled with love from her family.

We will all miss you so much.