Nancy Ellen (Collins) Lovaas, age 81, of Hot Springs, SD, passed away March 21, 2014, at Castle Manor Nursing Home in Hot Springs.

Nancy was born June 17, 1932, in Helena, MT., to Dr. C. Phillip and Isabel (Balthrope) Collins. She was an only child living in Billings, MT with her parents. Her dad supported the family as a dentist. Nancy attended the Montana State University (Montana State College) where she earned her Bachelor's degree of Science in Bacteriology in 1954. She worked as a medical technician in a clinic and was a member of the American Society of the Clinical Pathologists. She also was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and Phi Sigma Honor Society. She met her husband, Allan Leaf Lovaas, a few years after collage while she was working as a technician at the clinic. They got married on June 6, 1958, in Red Lodge, MT. Together they shared a deep love of the outdoors and spent their honeymoon at Yellowstone National Park. Her husband was employed with the Montana State Game and Fish Department. Nancy and Al lived in several places due to Al's work as a wildlife biologist: Billings, MT, Red Lodge, MT, Gallatin Canyon of MT, Great Falls, MT, Edmonton, Alberta, Hot Springs, SD, and Omaha, NE. Their longest stint was in Eagle River, AK, from 1981-1993.

Nancy and Al had one son, Erik, born in Rapid City, SD, in 1970. Nancy focused on raising their son, in Alaska, and fostered his fondness for animals and the great outdoors. While in Alaska she worked at a plant nursery and volunteered for Boy Scouts. They returned to Hot Springs in 1993 to retire and enjoy the wildlife and outdoor activities available in the area. She was a member of the St. Luke's Episcopal Church and Travelers Club. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for many years. She was a devoted wife and mother. Loved animals and spoiled her dogs, Teal and Cheyenne. Liked to ride horses in her youth. While enjoying the outdoors she liked to feed the deer, squirrels, wild turkeys, and other birds in the backyard. At times there were as many as 25 turkeys enjoying Nancy's generosity. She was an avid reader.

Survivors include her husband, Allan, of 57 years and son, Erik (Jennifer) Lovaas of San Francisco, CA.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2014, at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Hot Springs with Rev. Deacon Linda Valandra officiating.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapls.com.