Candace "Candy" Nichol Capp

     On September 10, 2025, we lost a personality as big as this World could contain. Candy was born on September 8, 1946, to Jack Nichol and Phyllis Nichol (Worthington), and the broad brush of those she touched would never be the same. Candy grew up in Billings attending Billings schools and graduated from Billings West High in 1965. Without any firm convictions on what she wanted for a career path, but guided by fierce, and often obstinate, independence - she set out by herself to see what the other parts of the country could offer. She tried Las Vegas and California for short periods, at one time working as a telephone operator in Compton, California. However, despite her desire to spread her wings, the love of her family, which she valued most, brought her back to Billings to settle in and begin her path at what she did best – acting as the General of the family.

     In her adolescent years Candy spent much of her time skiing at Red Lodge, hiking and camping, and spending time with her partner in crime, best friend, and sister Denise, and cousins Linda and Janice. For those that knew Candy later in life, it is difficult to grasp that she once had somewhat of a forced admiration for the outdoors. However, it was those early years that shaped Candy to be the fearless leader that she ultimately became – or she was just genetically predisposed with the gift to provide her wisdom – whether you wanted to hear it or not.

     Candy’s first pet project upon returning to Montana was doting over her newly born niece Nicole Lindell Croaker. Candy and Nicole’s special bond was one that she valued more than any other in her life.

     Candy married Joel Jackson in 1973 and from that union her only child was born – Ryan Jackson. Although they later divorced, she maintained a loving relationship with Joel until she passed. In 1977 Candy met and later married Jerry Capp. God could not have hand selected a better partner for Candy… or Jerry. They were nothing alike. Jerry, a farm kid with a calm, patient, and gentle demeanor. Candy, a city girl with as much sequin and lights as a disco ball, somewhat anxious, boisterous, and aggressive. However, their personalities meshed and created an unbreakable bond. The Jerry and Candy show was truly a sight to behold, and she made sure that everyone was invited and had a ticket to their lives.

     Jerry and Candy spent the entirety of their relationship genuinely as the biggest fan of the other. They were fixtures at any local Montana sports. Candy loved to follow and watch everything from basketball, wrestling, football, and volleyball and had a deep knowledge of athletes across the state and their accomplishments. But in particular, she loved West High basketball. For decades Candy would post up directly behind the team bench and never hesitated to give Coaches Robison and Darragh her words of advice on roster selection or the particular defense/offense she was sure they weren’t seeing from their vantage points on floor.

     She was a fierce advocate for everyone that entered her hemisphere – whether they deserved that advocacy or not. For her son, Ryan, while as a single mom, she insured that he was given every opportunity possible. Candy’s biggest joy and proudest accomplishment in life was her son. Candy and Ryan were able to spend her last day together talking and laughing and that was the final piece of closure Candy required.

     Candy was the breadwinner for many years while Jerry was beginning his pursuits as a custom home builder. She began a career in sales starting with Avon and then transitioned to advertising sales with a local TV guide publication. She ended her sales career with a national Satellite TV publication – where she received many awards and was recognized on a national scale for outselling her large metropolitan colleagues - all from the confines of a small home in Billings. Though she had no formal training, she spent what little free time she had, while raising a child, listening to self-help audio and voraciously reading everything possible to hone her skills. Rumor has it – she took “no” for an answer once in her life sometime in the late 70’s – this can be neither confirmed nor denied.

     Jerry ultimately achieved his goal as a successful custom home builder, which allowed Candy to again shift her focus and dedicate all of herself to her friends and family. It also gave her the time to design and build her trademark pink home along with a flower garden that this writing cannot begin to do justice.

     In 1999, Jerry and Candy were blessed with the gift of their godchild Peyton Croaker Garsjo. Peyton provided a rejuvenated light and drive in Candy that was pure and unencumbered. The joy that Candy experienced through Peyton’s dance recitals, cheer competitions, high school and college experiences was immeasurable. That joy and pride then carried on with and through the arrival of her grandchildren, John and Josephine. Candy rarely missed a baseball or football game, wrestling meet, volleyball, or soccer game. She maintained her harsh criticism of coaching decisions throughout these experiences – despite the fact that her pride and joy Ryan was making those coaching decisions.

     Candy maintained her youthful beauty until the very end. She was a showstopper in every room she entered. She carried herself with confidence and humility - dignity and grace. She had thirst for knowledge that she dutifully quenched with a broad library of every subject imaginable. The books she plowed through were as diverse as her beliefs. She also maintained her quick wit and intelligence until the end. She was a counselor, life coach, spiritual advocate, judge, and jury, to countless. Those lucky enough to be in her circle are left with an unfillable void. But the memories of the magical life she lived and her impact on others will endure.

     Candy was told 9 months ago that due to the lung damage she sustained that she would likely survive only a few weeks. Candy’s last goal in life was to watch her godchild, Peyton, walk down the aisle in marriage. She fought for 8+ months, meditating, praying, and empowering her mind to overcome the limitations of her failing body. Candy achieved her final goal on August 23rd surrounded by those who loved her most and enjoyed her last dance with the love of her life.

     Candy is preceded in death by her parents, Jack Nichol and Phyllis (Joe) Worthington, uncles and aunts, Sid and Norma Peers and Ed and Wanda Jones, and cousin, Janice Thompson Phares.

     Candy is survived by her loving husband Jerry Capp and his daughter Rene (Beto) Sandoval, grandchildren Emily and Jake; son Ryan (MaryAnn) Jackson and grandchildren John and Josephine; Sister Denise (George) Kelly, niece Nicole Lindell Croaker, godchild Peyton (Carter) Garsjo, cousin Randy (Heather) Peers and nephews Jared and Aidan and niece Vanessa (Devin) Pike, cousin Linda (Dom) Montiero; ex-husband Joel (Maria) Jackson; brother-in-law Larry Lindell; sisters in law Pauline Jones and Janet Beck; and brothers in law Ray (Pam) Capp and Russ Kelly. Candy also leaves behind a vast group of friends that she cherished and valued as family.

     A celebration of Candy’s life will be held on Friday, October 3rd, 2025, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Dan Walt Gardens located at 720 Washington Street, Billings, MT 59101. Parking is limited so please try and carpool if possible.