NANCY LOU ATHERTON

1938 - 2021

NANCY LOU ATHERTON
On Friday, April 2, 2021, Nancy Lou Atherton slipped peacefully away to join husband Albert Atherton in eternal joy. Mom was surrounded by loved ones in the last weeks of her fight with breast cancer after having won several battles in the past years.
Nancy was born July 12, 1938 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Howard Reid and Erma Hill-Reid. On September 27, 1957 she married Albert Atherton and they spent 51 years together, residing in Mount Vernon, Iowa before moving to Marion, Iowa, before finally retiring to Bullhead City, Arizona, having made life-long friends wherever she called home.
Nancy's girlfriends had introduced her to the joys of wine and poker, while Julie and Brian, with the patience of saints, got her to ride with them on motorcycles, where her good sense shone brilliantly through her preference for Harley Davidson. She enjoyed time talking with family and friends, meeting new friends and hoisting a Chesty at the Leatherneck Club with members of the Marine Riders.
She is survived by Nancy and Al's son Scott, who was blessed to be able to spend most of her final month with his Mom; and their daughter Julie Lane, who more than kept her promise to Mom. Scott's wife Ellen and Nancy's granddaughter Akasha Atherton, all from Washington state, joined Julie and her husband Brian Lane, both of Las Vegas at Nancy's side during her final hours with us. Brian's son Brett had been there to boost her spirits. Nancy's brother and sister-in-law, Don and Karen Reid of Omaha, Neb. and brother-in-law Larry Atherton and his wife Sharon of Andover, Minn., as well as nephews and nieces in the Midwest and Texas also survive her.
A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for Fall of 2021 in Bullhead City in hopes travel will be easier for those wishing to attend, however a virtual option will be available. Details will be shared through Nancy's network of family and friends and social media. The family is especially mindful of those who have lost loved ones in the past year and were not able to gather with family and friends when hugs are needed most. In this we were truly blessed. Donations may be made to Infinity Hospice Las Vegas, Boys and Girls Club of Bullhead City, Toys 4 Tots c/o Marine Riders Las Vegas, Special Olympics Nevada, or a charity of your choice.