Nancy Astelle Krieg died on Oct. 6, 2023, at Brookside Manor in Hood River, Ore. Nancy passed quietly as the sun set, surrounded by her family, being held by her life partner and best friend of 37 years, Fred Duckwall.
Nancy was born Nancy Astelle Golden on Aug. 28, 1942, in Lancaster Rural, Calif., an only child to Conrad Auburn and Jesse Jewel Golden. She lived her early years with her parents in Glendora, Calif., attending elementary, high school and junior college, where she established many friendships that continued her entire life.
In 1963, she met and was married to Richard James Leibelt. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Oregon with her husband. She spent many years in Redland, Ore., where she helped to raise her son, Richard Scott Leibelt and daughter, Kristen Astelle Leibelt. During this time, she worked as a teacher’s aide in special education, collected antiques, raised her family, and built, remodeled, and redecorated three homes. After 17 years of marriage, Richard and Nancy divorced.
Nancy relocated to Hood River and developed a deep affection for the town. Hood River became her forever home. During her years in Hood River, she worked as a teacher’s aide at Hood River Valley High School, in customer service for United Telephone, later Sprint, as a pianist at the Columbia Gorge Hotel, as an insurance agent for Herschner & Bell, Farrell Agency, as an account manager for Hood River Disposal and later in customer service for Carson Oil. She had a strong commitment to her work life and, like most things she did, put her all into it.
Outside of work, her most valued time was spent with friends, family, and pets doing all the things Nancy loved. Topping the list was music, gardening, reading, knitting, and cooking, but music was her life, not football! She selflessly shared her hobbies with everyone. She found ways to gather those around her that enjoyed her passions. She had many passions and many friends. One of her greatest joys was her ability to make music. Nancy was able to put this talent to great use as the Organist for Hood River Valley Christian Church. For over 35 years, Nancy brought much love, joy, and laughter to many through her music.
Several years after settling in Hood River, through her church family, Nancy met Fred Duckwall. Over time, Fred and her friendship grew with affection and caring that lasted the remainder of their lives. At almost any given time, they could be found together at one of their many favorite charity events, venues, or restaurants — laughing with colleagues, celebrating with family, and making merry with friends. Fred and Nancy’s time together was filled with many happy moments. Nancy did not know a stranger and befriended anyone that would let her.
As the years progressed, Fred’s and Nancy’s families grew and slowly merged into one large family. Nancy often mentioned how happy she was for her children, grandchildren and the many bonus children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she had collected. As an only child, she had often hoped for a large family and ultimately achieved it.
Throughout her life, she maintained an ever-present optimism and strength. She survived more life challenges than many — with grace and determination; her resilience was something to admire and respect. She is loved by many and will be greatly missed.
Nancy is survived by Fred Duckwall and her two children and spouses: Richard Scott and Lisa Leibelt, Kristen Astelle Leibelt and Peter Blyt. Through Fred, Nancy also gained four bonus children: Matt Duckwall, Jason and Mindi Duckwall, Nathan and Andrea Duckwall, and Sara Duckwall and Matt Hockett. Ultimately, it was Nancy’s grandchildren who brought unmatched joy. She loved them to the moon and back. She is survived by grandchildren Nikolai Mattias Blyt and Erik Kristoffer Blyt. As a bonus, Nancy got to be a grandmother to Jessamyn Duckwall, Hannah Duckwall, Cole Duckwall, Hunter Duckwall, Taylor Duckwall, Nora Snyder, Davin Snyder, and Hallie Hockett, and a great-grandmother to Malakai Brinsfield.
Nancy was predeceased by parents Conrad and Jewel Golden, bonus great-grandchild Ezra Blue Duckwall, and her beloved pets, Max, Barney, and Sadie.
A celebration of life presided over by Rev. Alicia Speidel and held in Nancy’s honor will take place on Friday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. at Hood River Valley Christian Church, 975 Indian Creek Road, Hood River. Please join us in sharing moments and memories of Nancy’s long and beautiful life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to Providence Hospice of the Gorge or Hood River Valley Christian Church (c/o Andersons Tribute Center 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, OR 97031).
Nancy and her family would like to thank the staff at Brookside Manor, Providence Hospice of the Gorge, Hood River Valley Christian Church, and her many friends who were there throughout the years and especially those present in the last days for the love, care, joy, and support they brought daily to Nancy’s life.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River. Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
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