Nancy Louise Zens, born October 4, 1945, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, peacefully went home to be with her Savior on October 10, just days after her 81st birthday. She grew up in Minneapolis alongside her older brother, David Zens, and younger sister, Sarah Zens.

As a devoted single mother, Nancy built a beautiful legacy through her four children— three sons, Bryan Tadlock, Dan Tadlock, and John Tadlock, and one daughter, Brenda Tadlock-Coombs—whom she raised in Pullman, Washington, and Bend, Oregon. In time, her family grew to include three beloved daughters-in-loves, one son-in-love, fourteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Nancy was steadfast in her faith as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Within the Church, she found cherished friendships, a deep sense of purpose, and great joy in attending the temple. A lifelong scholar, Nancy graduated with honors from Washington State University, earning a Ph.D. in History. She went on to share her knowledge and passion as a history professor at Central Oregon Community College and Oregon State University. Fiercely private and naturally shy, Nancy was also brilliant and deeply accomplished—a richness known best by those privileged to know her well. Her talents and interests were wonderfully varied: she played several instruments; quilted, sewed, and knitted; gardened and worked with wood; created crafts and etched leather; cared for animals; sang in choirs; enjoyed shopping on QVC; read widely; wrote poetry; and co-authored several academic books on history.

Nancy delighted in traveling to historic sites across America and often drew her children into long, spirited conversations about the past. They remember her as their scout leader, lollipop maker, craft teacher, Christmas-tree cutter, Balderdash champion, and story reader—but above all, as the person who made them feel safe and deeply loved in this world.

The family will gather privately to celebrate Nancy’s life and honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Central Oregon Community College Foundation in support of student scholarships: https://cocc.edu/departments/foundation/donation-form. When making a donation, please indicate this is a tribute donation. You can also add “In memory of Nancy Zens” in the comment section.