Nancy Truax

Nancy Ross Truax passed away in the afternoon of December 29th in Corvallis. Nancy was born on March 12, 1923 in Melrose, Massachusetts to John and Doris Ross. In 1935, Nancy and her family moved from the East Coast to Portland, Oregon, where Nancy graduated from Grant High School in 1941. The following year, she entered Oregon State College, joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority and graduated in 1945 with a degree in Home Economics. While at OSC, she met Jesse J. Truax at a “nickel hop,” where young men paid a nickel for every dance. Nancy couldn’t remember how many nickels Jess spent, but they were later married, while Jess was on leave from the army, on December 17, 1944 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portland. After Jess returned from his overseas tour of duty with the army in 1946, Jess and Nancy set up residence in Corvallis, Oregon, where they raised three children. They were both active members of the community. Nancy belonged to various organizations, including PEO and the Assistance League. She and Jess enjoyed dancing at the Tillicum Club as well as playing golf, and the whole family were avid skiers. Sadly, Nancy lost Jess to cancer in 1979 while they were still in their 50’s. Seven years after Jess’s death, Nancy married Colvin McConnell; they remained married for 19 years. Nancy had an artistic spirit; she was a talented watercolorist and also enjoyed quilting and needlepoint. Above all, she was known for her generosity and her unwavering devotion to friends, family and her eight grandchildren. She will be deeply missed. She is survived by her son and daughter in law John and Maria Truax, both of Corvallis; her daughter and son in law Amy and Dick Micka, both of Baker City, Oregon; her daughter Ann Truax of Portland; her sister Norma Maris of Issaquah, Washington and by her grandchildren—Matt Truax, Cassie Truax, Monica Truax of Corvallis, Greg Truax of Phoenix, Arizona, Andy Micka and Bethany Micka of Baker City, Rebecca Sullivan of Portland and Joanna Sullivan of San Francisco. The family request that, in lieu of flowers remembrances be sent to Good Samaritan Foundation or Benton Hospice Service. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, January 22, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church in Corvallis.

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Nancy Truax

March 12, 1923 - December 29, 2008