Nancy Lee Manger, 86, passed away peacefully at her home on September 10, 2025. Nancy was born on February 15, 1939 in Denver, Colorado, the daughter of Vernon and Julia Hanks. Nancy and her older brother, Don Hanks, grew up in Denver until her teenage years when the family made the move to Great Falls, Montana where Nancy would spend many years. Nancy grew up the daughter of a pastor, so moving to different locations and churches was part of her early life.
Nancy spent all four years of high school at Great Falls High, where she graduated from in 1957. She then followed the family’s footsteps in attending Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, which she later graduated from in 1961 with a Bachelor of Psychology degree. Nancy married Ed Shubat shortly after graduating, with whom she moved with to San Antonio, Texas. In San Antonio, she attended Trinity University to obtain her Master of Psychology degree. Nancy knew she wanted to be a psychologist from a young age, which is exactly what she did. Nancy desired the freedom of a psychologist working under her own license, so she returned to school at the University of Montana to earn her PhD in psychology. Nancy worked at Great Falls Clinic for many years before turning to private practice. During this time, Nancy decided to pursue motherhood, so she started the adoption process with her first son. In 1970, Ian was born and adopted by Nancy, followed by Jason later on in 1970, and Holly in 1972. Nancy and the kids lived in Great Falls until 1980 when she met and married the love of her life, Bill Manger. She moved with the kids to Bill’s ranch in White Sulphur Springs, Montana where the kids spent the majority of their childhood. Bill and Nancy loved the kids like their own and showed them a full life on the ranch. When Nancy moved to White Sulphur Springs, she let go of her private practice to focus on the kids and the ranch, which she felt was one of her best decisions. After Bill passed away in 1995, Nancy remained on the ranch until 1999 and then made the move to Helena, MT where she lived for many years. As time went on, Nancy began to miss her family and friends in White Sulphur, so she decided to move back in 2017 to be closer to her children, grandchildren, and friends.
Nancy loved a good conversation and will be remembered for her humor and laughter. Nancy spent many hours socializing at the senior center, with the Redhatters and ODO club, at garage sales, and also enjoyed volunteering at the local food bank. Nancy was always one call away whether it be her children, grandchildren, friends, or even the occasional spam caller. She was always up for an adventure, as she spent many winters visiting her brother in New Orleans and leaves her families with many stories, as well as fond memories of rides in her convertible. Nancy even published a novel. She would joke that of the 12 copies sold worldwide she bought 10 of them!
Nancy is survived by her three children, Ian (Carla) Manger of White Sulphur Springs, MT, Jason (Willa) Manger of Eagle, ID, Holly (Rick) Gilman of White Sulphur Springs, MT; nine grandchildren Patrick (Nichole) Bergan of White Sulphur Springs, MT, Taylor (Tyler) Charlton of Helena, MT, Kelsy (Jacob) Frederick of Billings, MT, Trevor Bergan of White Sulphur Springs, MT, Tristen (Kelsey) Bergan of Helena, MT, Rielly (Savannah) Manger of Meridian, ID, Abi Manger of Meridian, ID, Kendra Manger of White Sulphur Springs, MT, Wylie Manger of White Sulphur Springs, MT; and seven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, brother Don and husband Bill.
A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date so that all who knew and loved Nancy may gather to honor her memory and share stories of her life. Details to be announced later.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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