Nancy Joyce (Garst) McMichael, age 88, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her family on December 9th, 2025.
Nancy was born on May 18th, 1937, in Evergreen Park, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Opal Garst, sister Marilyn Uptain, and two sons James and Daniel Jens. Nancy is survived by her remaining children: Cynthia Kuhnert, Cheryl Horn, Del Ekenbarger (Carol), Cherise Wise (Chris), Juanita Beall (James) and 17 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called her Grandma and GranGran. She also leaves behind brothers John Garst, Glenn Garst, Richard Garst, sisters Judy Margherone, Karen Ander, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nancy was the oldest of seven children. She was raised in a small town outside of La Grange, Illinois and had the honor of contributing to a book about her hometown. She loved numbers and worked as a bookkeeper for over 50 years, continuing part-time until a few weeks prior to her passing.
Nancy's life was defined by grace, strength, and unconditional love. At home, she was the devoted matriarch of her family - the one who remembered every birthday, anniversary and always made time to listen. She enjoyed playing cards and dominos with her friends and sewing doll clothes for her grand and great-grandchildren.
A private family gathering will take place later per Nancy's wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Community Hospice of Palatka FL.
Her family was her greatest joy, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all that knew and loved her.
Nancy was born on May 18th, 1937, in Evergreen Park, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents Harold and Opal Garst, sister Marilyn Uptain, and two sons James and Daniel Jens. Nancy is survived by her remaining children: Cynthia Kuhnert, Cheryl Horn, Del Ekenbarger (Carol), Cherise Wise (Chris), Juanita Beall (James) and 17 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called her Grandma and GranGran. She also leaves behind brothers John Garst, Glenn Garst, Richard Garst, sisters Judy Margherone, Karen Ander, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Nancy was the oldest of seven children. She was raised in a small town outside of La Grange, Illinois and had the honor of contributing to a book about her hometown. She loved numbers and worked as a bookkeeper for over 50 years, continuing part-time until a few weeks prior to her passing.
Nancy's life was defined by grace, strength, and unconditional love. At home, she was the devoted matriarch of her family - the one who remembered every birthday, anniversary and always made time to listen. She enjoyed playing cards and dominos with her friends and sewing doll clothes for her grand and great-grandchildren.
A private family gathering will take place later per Nancy's wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Community Hospice of Palatka FL.
Her family was her greatest joy, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all that knew and loved her.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nancy Joyce (Garst) McMichael, please visit our flower store.
Nancy Joyce (Garst) McMichael's Guestbook
Visits: 26
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors