Nancy Eiland Utz

1934 - 2017

Nancy Eiland Utz
September 21, 1934 - April 20, 2017
Murrells Inlet, SC
Nancy Ann Eiland Utz, 82, of Murrells Inlet, SC, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2017 in Kingwood, TX. Nancy was born on September 21, 1934 in Drew, Mississippi, the youngest of five children of Robert Roy Eiland and Daisy LaMastus Eiland.
Nancy graduated from Drew High School in 1952 where she was a member of the majorettes and, in 1949, had the honor of being crowned Miss Drew for the town's 50th anniversary celebration. She attended Mississippi State College for Women and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business. While at MSCW, Nancy was a Mississippi State Pi Kappa Alpha Dream Girl and was inducted into the Pi Omega Pi National Honorary Business Education Fraternity. After college, Nancy became a "stewardess" for Delta Airlines and was based in Dallas, TX. She loved flying and, at a friend's wedding in Drew, she was introduced to a handsome young pilot for American Airlines.
In 1960, Nancy married the love of her life, Richard "Dick" Utz. She was very proud to be the wife of a pilot! Nancy and Dick were married for 53 years before his passing in 2014. Nancy was a stay-at-home mom who raised their four children in Springfield, VA. Nancy was a Sunday School teacher, PTA volunteer, children's choir leader, Boy Scout volunteer, Girl Scout volunteer, bridge player, piano and organ player, jitterbug and shag dancer, dog lover, philanthropist and Oakford Drive mom who was always there to help the neighborhood kids - she loved them all! And, Nancy was loved by all! She never met a stranger and, for those lucky enough to sit next to her on an airplane, meet her in the grocery store or find a little time to chat with her, Nancy would quickly find a connection and have a new friend for life. Nancy will forever be remembered for her bright smile and sweet Southern charm and the joy she brought to those who were blessed to know her.
When Dick retired in 1990, they moved to Murrells Inlet and enjoyed their many friends and activities at Wachesaw Plantation. Nancy had an amazing group of friends and loved to laugh over a few glasses of wine at Lunch Bunch, Culture Club, Soup Group and many other social occasions. After Dick's stroke left him disabled in 2000, Nancy became his caretaker and selflessly loved and cared for him until his death.
Nancy is survived by her daughters Linda Utz Ferdows (husband Rob) and Diane Utz Bailey; son Gary Utz; grandchildren Allison Utz, Matt Utz, Brian Utz, Melissa Utz, Kyle Bailey, Brandon Bailey, Courtney Bailey, Nicholas Ferdows, Brayden Ferdows, Colson Ferdows; oldest sister Juaweice Devine of SC; sister-in-law Sally Croy of OH; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Nancy is predeceased in death by her husband Richard J. Utz; son Michael L. Utz; parents Robert Roy Eiland and Daisy LaMastus Eiland; sisters Antionette Eiland Bradley and Yvonne Eiland Woodruff; and brother Robert Louis Eiland.
A memorial service to honor and celebrate Nancy's life will be held TUESDAY, JUNE 20, 2017 at 12:00pm at Belin Methodist Church, 4182 US-17 Business, Murrells Inlet, SC.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association to help raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Donations can be made online at www.actionalz.org.