Nancy Eileen Guthrie, 82, of Longmont, Colorado, passed away peacefully Oct. 24, 2025. Born May 2, 1943, in Columbus, Montana, to Rex and Jean Guthrie, Nancy lived a life filled with adventure, faith, music and family.
Nancy enjoyed a long and distinguished career in education. She began as a music teacher in Denver, Colorado, and was soon recruited to teach at the largest American school on the Mediterranean Sea, the Oil Companies School in Tripoli, Libya. After four years abroad, Nancy returned to the U.S. to teach music in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later joined Forrestdale School in Rumson. Her creative and dynamic approach to teaching energized the music department and inspired students of all ages.
Nancy’s passion for education led her to transition from music teacher to guidance counselor and eventually to principal. During her tenure as principal, Forrestdale School earned the prestigious National Blue Ribbon Award.
Nancy was known for her enormous heart and unwavering dedication to every student. She fostered a school spirit that was second to none and remains a beloved figure in the Rumson School District. Her former students still remember the Boom Chick-a Boom cheer that she led, which concluded all assemblies.
After retiring in 2004, Nancy moved to Colorado with her granddaughter, Michele, to care for her parents, continuing her legacy of love and service.
Nancy shared her life with everyone around her. To know Nancy was to witness someone who embraced life wholeheartedly – and loudly! She was well-known in her neighborhood as the life of the party and will be remembered for her golf cart and an endless supply of refreshments. Nancy’s faith was central to her life, and she loved riding her golf cart to church each Sunday to attend Mass.
Nancy’s greatest joy was her family. She devoted herself to raising her son, David, and daughter, Rhonda, with unwavering love and care. After Rhonda’s passing, Nancy embraced an even greater role in her granddaughter Michele’s life, forming an exceptionally close and important bond. Nancy cherished her family and the time they spent together, most recently during her 80th birthday celebration.
Nancy is survived by her son, David Guthrie; granddaughter, Michele Farr; brothers, Greg and Lewis Guthrie; multiple nieces and nephews, many lifelong friends and her “alley family” in Colorado. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rhonda Guthrie; her parents, Rex and Jean Guthrie; sister-in-law, Elaine Guthrie and great-niece, Tatum Hamling.
A memorial service will be held July 13 in Nancy’s hometown of Columbus, Montana. Her ashes will be interred beside her daughter in the family plot. Nancy’s love of music, teaching, faith, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
The article originally appeared in the January 22 – 28, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
