Obituary: Nancy Brennan

Nancy Rose (Love) Brennan passed away at her home after a lengthy battle with cancer. Nancy was born in Glenwood Springs, Colo., to her parents, Milo R. (Waddy) Love and Helen E. Love. They returned to the LOV Ranch, located on Piceance Creek, where she grew up and remained the rest of her life.
Nancy attended Rock School for the first eight years, and then attended high school in Rifle. She went to college in Boulder, and on Sept. 14, 1947, married C.W. (Bill) Brennan, her husband of 65 years. They made their home on the ranch, taking over from her parents. Nancy worked hand-in-hand with Bill, performing all the duties required of a working rancher, as well as homemaker, all while raising four children.
Nancy was always the glue that held the family and ranch together. She was a cowboy, ranch hand, peacemaker and ranch foreman while Bill was serving our county and state, disciplinarian (yes, she could give a memorable spanking when it was deserved), cook, laundry attendant, doctor, nurse and house cleaner, just to name a few of the duties performed cheerfully and always without complaint.
There were definitely times when her family gave her reason to complain, but she just straightened them all out and they went on. Although outwardly quiet, this lady had an iron will and could wield it firmly when needed.
After getting their children raised, Nancy and Bill took some time away from the ranch to travel, including a memorable trip to Africa and two tours of Mexico. While Bill was attending meetings, Nancy was able to enjoy many tours of Washington, D.C. Nancy was active in the Rio Blanco County Cowbelles, promoting Colorado beef and serving in various offices including president. She was also an active member of the Colorado Cowbelles Association.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Bill; one sister, Marje Dorrell, who is residing in Alaska; and four children: Michael Milo Brennan (Jackie) of Meeker, Kay Nancy Bumguardner of Mesa, Colo., James William Brennan (Beverly) running the ranch on Piceance Creek, and Richard Joseph Brennan (Sandie) of North Pole, Alaska. She was blessed with seven grandchildren: CL Bumguardner, Rachel Goodman, Rebecca Brennan, Neil Brennan, Matt Brennan, Ben Brennan, and Erin Brennan and 10 great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.
Services were performed at Holy Family Catholic Church in Meeker with arrangements provided by Grant Mortuary. Donations may be made to Rio Blanco Home Health in care of Pioneers Medical Center in Meeker.