Nancy Lea Vaudrin, 90, of Red Lake Falls, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Sanford Medical Center in Thief River Falls, surrounded by the love of her family.

Nancy was born on June 22, 1936, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, to Ivan Milton Moore and Mary Augusta (Pearson) Moore. She was raised on her parents' ranch in Wyoming alongside her two sisters, Donna Rae and Norma Anne. Nancy grew up riding horses and working cattle, and in her spare time, she loved competing in rodeos and was a Hulett, Wyoming rodeo queen. She attended Black Hills Teachers College and went on to teach at a country school, managing 13 students across the first through eighth grades.

Nancy married Richard "Dick" Thompson on April 28, 1956, in Miles City, Montana. To this union, three children were born: Victor, Veda, and Ven. The family lived in various places across Wyoming, Montana, and South Dakota before moving to Minnesota in 1965. Together, they operated the Bridle Bit Rodeo Company, producing rodeos throughout the state. After living in several locations across Minnesota and Arizona, they eventually settled in Twin Valley, where Richard passed away. Following his passing, Nancy worked as a bartender before beginning a career with the Crookston Cattle Company, where she drove the feed truck at the feedlot until 1981.

Nancy later met and fell in love with Larry Vaudrin, whom she married on November 28, 1981. Together, they made their home on Larry’s farm in Red Lake Falls, where they farmed and raised beef cattle. They retired in 1985 and spent the summers at Arneson’s Resort. They enjoyed fishing together, and visiting with neighbors and family. In the early 1990’s they started spending winters in Tucson, AZ, first with their camper in Victor’s yard and then they purchased a home at Tucson Estates and enjoyed dancing, golfing and meeting new friends. In 2021, they moved into Red Lake Falls.

Nancy's greatest joy was her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, dedicated her life to caring for those she loved. Her warmth, kindness, and welcoming nature created a home filled with love. Nancy enjoyed rodeo events in person and on the television, traveling, reading, dancing, and above all, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether attending family gatherings, sharing stories, or simply relaxing with loved ones, she treasured every moment spent together. Nancy will be remembered for her gentle heart, her devotion to her family, and the joy she found in life's simple pleasures.

She was fortunate enough to have (Larry) and to have had (Richard), the two great loves in her life.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Vaudrin of Red Lake Falls, MN; her sisters, Donna Tope of Belle Fourche, SD, and Norma (Jim) Martin of Newell, SD; her children, Victor (Veronica) Thompson of Tucson, AZ, Veda (Cole) Adkins of Twin Valley, MN, and Ven (Eliza) Thompson of Belle Fourche, SD; her stepdaughter, Berdie (Roy) Reiger of Dayton, WY; 13 grandchildren and their spouses; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Nancy was preceded in death by her first husband, Richard Thompson, and her parents, Ivan and Mary Moore.

A celebration of life for Nancy will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at the American Legion in Red Lake Falls, MN from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM with a short service at 4:00 PM with Father Bob Schreiner officiating. Private burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, rural Red Lake Falls, MN.

"Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed, and forever dear."