Nancy Diane Dennis

Visitation will be November 15th at Parkade Baptist Church, Columbia, MO from 1-2pm, with memorial services to follow.

Her faith was the compass guiding her soul - an unwavering belief in God's divine grace. With every step, she carried His love in her heart, eager to share its warmth and light with all those she encountered, a beacon of hope in a world that needs it so dearly.

Nancy Diane Dennis, age 72, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born in Moberly, Missouri, in 1953 to the late Sheriff Orville Price and Marjorie Price, Nancy was raised with strong family values and a deep sense of community. Some of her fondest memories were growing up at the old jailhouse, where her father served as sheriff, and dreaming of opening a hotel in Branson with him someday.

Nancy graduated from high school in Huntsville and lovingly provided in-home daycare for many years, shaping the lives of countless children with her gentle care and laughter. She later worked at 3M before moving to Jefferson City, where she courageously pursued her dream of earning a college degree. She graduated Valedictorian which serves as a testament to her determination and lifelong love of learning.

After graduating, Nancy moved to Branson to be near her daughter, and later returned home to Columbia, where she worked at the University of Missouri until her retirement. Retirement, however, was too quiet for her servant's heart - she returned to work for the court system, performing drug testing. Nancy found purpose in mentoring and encouraging those who came through her care, offering firm support and compassion as they worked to rebuild their lives.

Whether she was giving food, gifts, or her time, Nancy always wanted to make people feel seen, valued, and loved.

The last five years of her life, after suffering an injury, were among her most challenging - yet she continued to radiate courage and faith. Her words, "I don't know why God still has me here, but I'm going to fight until He takes me home," became a living testimony of perseverance and trust in God's plan.

Nancy was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. Her laughter, her smile, her famous chocolate chip cookies, Chex Mix, and her love of chicken wings and cheese will forever bring a smile to those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sheriff Orville and Marjorie Price, her grandparents and her nephew Corey Price.

She is survived by her daughter, Kristy Dennis of Columbia, and her son, Todd Dennis (Michelle) of Georgia; grandchildren Cheyenne Dennis (Georgia), Paige Dennis (Florida), and Hailey Dennis (Tennessee).

She is also survived by her beloved brothers: Tim Price (Beth) of Moberly, Mark Price (Carla) of Huntsville, and Jeff Price (Amy) of Moberly.

Her legacy continues through her many nieces and nephews: Bret Price (Ericka) of Huntsville; Tyler Price (Hannah) of Moberly; Jaci Schowengerdt (Brandon) of Hallsville; Brittany Esry (Daniel) of Moberly; Abbey Dames (Marty) of Bell City; and Joshua Price (Evelyn) of Moberly.

She also leaves behind great-nieces and nephews Braelynn Schowengerdt, Bennett Esry, Ethan Esry, Ezekiel Price, Lydia Price, Araya Price, Alli Price, Asher Price, Maximus Dames, Miles Dames, Beckham Dames, and Kennedy Dames, who each brought her immense joy.

Kristy was her mother's rock - a living reflection of God's steadfast love when the road grew difficult.

Through faith and prayer, she carried Nancy's health struggles with grace, trusting the Lord to give them both strength for each new day. Her gentle words and caring hands brought Nancy comfort and peace that could only come from God's presence between them. In Kristy's love, Nancy saw and felt the tender hands of Jesus Himself - holding her, comforting her, and ushering her into Heaven.

Nancy will also be deeply missed by her many dear friends from her Parkade church family, her beloved kitty cat, Kevin, and her devoted personal assistants, Thelma and Leonard, who became like family through their faithful service.

Nancy will be remembered for her steadfast faith, contagious laugh, and a heart that never stopped giving. Her life was a living testimony of grace - a reflection of God's love on earth.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of the Lord." Matthew 25:23