Nancy Jo Bradley

On August 29, 2025, Nancy Jo Bradley passed away in Atlanta at the age of 82. Nancy was born on May 30, 1943, in Greeley, Colorado to Elma and Joseph Schenfeld, two German immigrants. Nancy grew up on Monfort Feed Lot where her father was fleet director. After graduating from Greeley Central High School, she attended the University of Nebraska where she received a degree in Elementary Education in 1965. Nancy met her husband Fred Bradley at a dance hall while in college. They were married in 1967 and shortly thereafter moved to Manhattan, Kansas. In Manhattan, she taught fourth and fifth grade at Marlatt and Amanda Arnold Elementary Schools until she retired 35 years later. During her career she also received a master's degree from Kansas State University in 1973. In 1976, after trying for 9 years, Nancy and Fred welcomed their daughter Kelly into the world. In 2000, Nancy was a finalist for the Kansas Teacher of the Year award. She joined the Kansas State University faculty as an Instructor of Curriculum and Education in 2003. She fully retired several years later.

In 2014, Nancy and Fred moved to Atlanta to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren, Olive and Ella. There she became an active member of her beloved community in Olmsted.

Nancy adored children and had a gift for teaching. Many of her students still comment that she was their favorite teacher. Nancy was an ardent supporter of the KSU Wildcats attending most of their home games and following them to many bowl appearances with a group of her friends who were fondly known as "The Cruiser Crew." Nancy's favorite time of the year was Christmas. She had a Christmas tree in every room and collected all things Christmas. Nancy loved music, football, Volkswagen bugs, Porsche 911s, lady bugs, gardening, playing slot machines, and making appetizers for parties.

Many, many lives were touched by her loving nature, infectious smile and empathetic demeanor. She was a small woman but what she lacked in stature, she made up for in personality and determination.

She is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Fred. She leaves behind her daughter, Kelly Bradley, and two beautiful granddaughters Olive and Ella. She is also survived by her sisters Kathi Moss and Mary Broswell, both of Greeley, CO. She leaves behind one niece, Rocky Moss, and three nephews Greg Broswell, Ryan (Alissa) Broswell and Andrew Moss.

Although Nancy is physically no longer with us, her spirit and memory will live on in all those whose lives she touched.