Nancy Felts, a longtime visitor and resident in the Wood River Valley, died of a stroke Feb. 4 in Seattle. She was 73.
Born and raised in Seattle, Nancy first tried out skis at Stevens Pass, Wash., and then extended her range to White Pass and Crystal Mountain, all in the Cascades, and to Sun Valley. Several European ski trips and many winters in Ketchum followed.
Bicycling played an important summer role for Nancy. She made countless Puget Sound-area tours with the Cascade and Boeing Bicycle Clubs, and six European bicycle tours, where bike and barge trips in Holland were a favorite. Hiking, waterskiing and sailing were other recreational interests.
Widowed at an early age after only four years of marriage, Nancy used her schooling and experience in varied businesses to serve as secretary to the dean of the University of Washington Dental School from 1962 until she retired in 1989.
Nancy made friends readily and was willing to step in to help when needed. She assisted in the Seattle-to-Portland bike rides (STP) for many years, and, in Sun Valley, she was a volunteer for the Summer Symphony and the October Jazz Festival. Nancy also was a member of the Ancient Skiers Association and the Cascade Bicycle Club.
She is survived by her companion, Mike; her stepsons, Jim and Skip; her step-grandson, Jackson; her friends at the University of Washington Dental School; a peleton of bikers; a chairlift full of skiers; and many other friends who enjoyed her warm, pleasant company. She will be missed.
In lieu of services, an evening gathering in her memory was held in mid-February at Canlis, her favorite Seattle restaurant.
Memorial contributions are suggested for her No. 1 charity, the Woodland Park Zoo at: http:/www.zoo.org/zoocart/donations.htmi.
