Nancy Coss Obituary

Nancy (Eakle) Coss

Born: February 14, 1931

Died: September 28, 2019

Nancy (Eakle) Coss, 88, of Sun City West, Arizona passed away September 28, 2019. She was born February 14, 1931 in Waterman, IL to Paul V. and Mary (Mercer) Eakle, the sixth of eight children. During her childhood, Nancy traveled and performed throughout the United States and Canada with her family as part of the Eakle Family Band. She played saxophone, piano, sang vocals and marched in many parades. Nancy graduated from Waterman High School in 1949. During her high school years she worked at Schultz Drug Store where her future husband, James Coss, of Paw Paw, IL, was a frequent customer at the soda fountain. Nancy and Jim were married on November 23, 1949 in the Waterman United Methodist Church and proceeded to raise three daughters.

Nancy was active in the Waterman community, local schools and her children's lives. She served as PTA president and Waterman High School Band Parents Association president, during which time she was instrumental in the fundraising and acquisition of new band uniforms. Nancy helped organize and coach Waterman girls' softball teams. She was also a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 654. She had great love for our country and the American flag. Nancy was employed as the Waterman Elementary School secretary for many years and also worked at Northern Illinois University as an administrative assistant.

Music was an important part of Nancy's life. She directed both the Waterman United Methodist Church Senior and Junior choirs for several years. Some of her fondest memories were of Christmas caroling with the Junior choir and enjoying hot chocolate afterwards. She organized a combined choir from the Waterman Presbyterian and Methodist churches and directed several cantata performances in Waterman and surrounding communities. Nancy was an accomplished vocalist who sang at many weddings, funerals, Sunday church services and other occasions.

Nancy cherished her friendships in Waterman, however in 1982 she and Jim moved to the Pacific Northwest to be close to their children. Nancy loved the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She served the children of Farmington View Elementary School in Hillsboro, OR for many years as school secretary until her retirement in 1996. In 2014 Nancy followed her family to Arizona. "Nan" received much joy from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a life-long ice cream lover and chocaholic who possessed a spirited sense of humor and true grit. In recent years Nancy spent many hours watching sports on TV thinking of her husband, Jim.

Nancy is survived by one sister Angela Finstad, her children Beryl Fursman (Roy Shima), Susan Coss (Gary McCoy) and Maridea (David) Grossarth, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, brothers John Eakle and David (Buck) Eakle and sisters Alice Marks, Mavis Williams, Dea Eakle Andress, and Joey Clark. No services will be held however donations to Alzheimer's Foundation (alzfdn.org) or Hospice of the Valley (hov.org) are welcome.

"You can cry because she is gone or you can smile because she lived."

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Published by Daily-Chronicle from Oct. 4 to Oct. 5, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Coss

6 Entries

Debbie McCoy

January 7, 2020

I just got the Christmas card I mailed to Nancy returned to me. I am sad to learn she has passed away. She was the secretary at Farmington View where I worked as a teacher. We have stayed in contact since she retired. I loved knowing she was surrounded by her familyshe always talked fondly of them. I'm glad she lived in sunshine the last few years of her lifethat makes me happy!

Sincere sympathies!

Jean Evans

October 11, 2019

My deepest condolences at the loss of your mom, Beryl, Susan and Meridea and to all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nancy was such a part of our lives, with my mom (Babe) and her being such close friends. I remember Nancy directing junior choir which I enjoyed immensely and to which I attribute my ability to sing - which carried on into high school, college and my adult life. Having read the obituary, I had no idea all the things that Nancy did in Waterman and at N.I.U. and then again when she moved to the Pacific Northwest. She was a busy, busy lady. Of course I knew about the Eakle family band and all their talents. I hope there is information enshrined in the Waterman Historical Society about them.
I will always remember Nancy's smile and giggle - it always made my day. Thank you for sharing the obituary in the DeKalb Daily Chronicle and blessings to you all. You must have fine memories to help sustain you. Jean Evans

October 7, 2019

Nancy was a correspondent for the Waterman area after Sarah Mendez passed away. Sarah had already arranged for Nancy to take over. Getting the local items from Nancy each week was always a fun time. We never knew what was going to happen. Many memories of Nancy and her sister Mavis, whom I worked with on the Bicentennial Committee. Sue and I will never forget those times. Ed and Sue Carter

Carole Biasotti

October 5, 2019

I met Nan through her daughter, Beryl, some years back. I remember her as a warm, and friendly person who had a love for baseball. Her face absolutely lit up when she smiled. One evening I was fortunate to experience her yummy, homemade noodles. I have fond and happy memories of visits with Nan she was a dear person. My condolences and healing thoughts go out to her family at this sad time.

October 4, 2019

My heart is sad as I read of the passing of another WHS graduate, class of 1949, of which I am one. Nancy and I did many things together centered around music in high school and at the Waterman United Methodist Church. Her joy in life was infectious. She loved her Waterman heritage and all that meant related to school, music, family, high school reunions, employment, and friendships. She will be a great addition to the "heavenly chorus" as music was one of her passions. May her family also be at peace. Dolores Moudy-Charlesworth

October 4, 2019

I will miss my Aunt Nan so muchher warmth, talent and that terrific sense of humor and laugh! It was wonderful having her in the Pacific NW, allowing me to visit her and my cousins. We are grateful that starting in the 1950's she started filming family gathering and everyday lifewhat a tremendous film archive she created! Love you Nan!

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