Nancy Ellison

Nancy Rebecca Ellison, a beloved matriarch of her family, businesswoman, and culinary enthusiast, passed away on March 17, 2024, in Casper, Wyoming. Born on December 25, 1940, in Blue Ridge, South Carolina, Nancy was the cherished daughter of Hobbs Clayton and Flora (King) Clayton, and the third born out of four children—being the only girl among her siblings. She went to Blue Ridge Highschool and shortly after, she met and married Jim Ellison on August 30, 1958. Together they had three girls, Beth, Bettie, and Jamie. They lived in South Carolina until 1970, when they relocated to Casper, Wyoming.

Nancy's life was one filled with passion and creativity. Together with her husband Jim, she co-founded Ellison Alignment and worked side by side with him in a catering business. Renowned for her culinary skills, Nancy's biscuits & gravy and cornbread were adored by all who had the pleasure of tasting them. Her love for cooking was only rivaled by her love for traveling and embarking on memorable cruises. She was a member of the Elks Lodge and Shriners, and together with her husband they took a lot of bus trips to Deadwood. They also enjoyed traveling down south to see family.

Beyond her professional endeavors and roles within her family, Nancy was known for her vibrant personality, kindness, and one who held everything together with grace and strength. An accomplished singer from a young age, she cut her first album at sixteen and had the honor of being the opening act for various classic country artists throughout her musical journey. Nancy's talent extended to performing in a family band alongside her brothers and father while captivating audiences during live radio shows on Saturdays.

In addition to her musical pursuits, Nancy found joy in simple pleasures such as reading books, tending to flowers in her garden, indulging in camping trips, fishing adventures, scouring garage sales for hidden treasures, and exploring antique markets.

She is survived by her husband of 65 ½ years, James “Jim” Ellison, three children, Beth (Ty) Kuehnel, Bettie (John) Johnston, Jamie (Scott) Hobza, and Grandchildren, Steven (Sheila) Goss Johnston, Elizabeth Shoupe, Zaccery Johnston, Johnathan Johnston, Danny Rodriquez, Brianna Mason, Patrick (Bailey) Mason, Tyler (Olivia) Mason, Casey (Nazareth) Farley, Catey (Steven) Schmidt, Kealey (Daniel) Green, Calley (Travis) Kaltenheuser , Kirstey (Josh) Zorbas, 51 great-grandchildren, 8 great great grandchildren, 2 siblings, Buddy Clayton, and JR (Becky) Clayton, sister-in-law, Wilma Clayton, sister-in-law, Peggy Caldwell, and brother-in-law, Venus (Linda) Ellison, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded by death by her parents, her parent-in-laws, Aulden and Ella Ellison, step-mother-in-law, Viola Ellison, brother, Kenneth Clayton, sister-in-law Jonita Lundsford, brother-in-law, Robert Caldwell, and her dearest friend, Etta Young. 

Nancy Ellison will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, passion for life's simple joys, and unwavering devotion to her family. In honoring her memory, may we find solace in the beautiful moments shared with this remarkable woman whose spirit will live on in our hearts forever.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 1:30 pm at Bustard and Jacoby Funeral Home. A viewing for family and friends will begin just prior to the service at 12:30 pm at Bustard and Jacoby Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow services at Highland Cemetery. With a reception at the Casper Shrine Club from 3:00 pm to 5:30. Donations may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice or Garden Square Assisted Living of Casper. 

To view services for Nancy, please visit https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=465d7806-95bf-4795-a7a4-4d9328008253

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Central Wyoming Hospice or Garden Square Assisted Living of Casper.