Nancy Jane Stoppels

Nancy Jane Stoppels, 88, of Marion, Iowa, passed from this life on Sunday, March 26, 2023, at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids. In agreement with her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or services held at this time. A celebration of Nancy's life is being planned for a later date. Inurnment will also take place at a later date at the Iowa Veteran's Cemetery, in Adel, Iowa. Nancy was born on May 20, 1934, at Gilman, Iowa, the daughter of Clarence Wesley and Etna Mae (Stewart) Spencer. She was a 1952 graduate of the former Gilman High School, where she played basketball and was named to the All-State Basketball Team. On Dec. 27, 1952, she was united in marriage to Paul Justin Stoppels in Gilman. To this union five beautiful daughters were born: Paula, Debra, Jayne, Susan and Sara. Nancy was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Grinnell, prior to moving to Marion, where she and Paul made their home for 49 years. Nancy became a member of First Presbyterian Church in Marion. Nancy served as president of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. Later in life, she continued playing basketball, as a player on the first Iowa Granny Basketball Team, known as the "Cedar Rapids Sizzlers." Nancy's greatest joy was being a "Mom." Her daughters were her pride and joy. Nancy's love of family only blossomed when her daughters married. She welcomed and loved her sons-in-law as if they were her own children. Nancy's legacy grew even more when grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born. She loved and cherished all the time spent with her family. Having everyone in her home were some of her happiest moments. Nancy also enjoyed watching various sports and was a loyal fan of Linn-Mar High School and the Iowa Hawkeyes. She always put everyone first before herself. Nancy will be forever missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her daughters, Paula Gregoire of Marion, Debra (Dr. John III) Meyer of West Des Moines, Iowa, Jayne Burnham of Marion, Susan Borchers of Waukee, Iowa, and Sara (Bill) Misiewicz of Clinton, Iowa; grandchildren, John IV (Deidra) Meyer, Jennifer (Ben) Volden, Sara Thornsbrough, Katy (Reggie) Davis, Alison (Matt) Seidl, Keith Burnham, Kari (Harry III) Marcley, Aaron (Sarah) Borchers, Lauren (Mitry) Karam and Mark Misiewicz; great-grandchildren, Skyler Meyer, Hadley Volden, Jack Volden, Baby Boy Volden expecting to arrive soon, Kiley Thornsbrough, Lillian Davis, Desmond Davis, Harry Marcley IV, Hunter Marcley, Hudson Marcley, Houston Marcley, Ellie Borchers, Bennett Borchers, Navah Karam and Myka Karam; and a host of extended family members including nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of 63 years, Paul J. Stoppels; son-in-law, Mike Gregoire; three brothers, Merle Spencer, Richard Spencer and William "Bill" Spencer; and one sister, Joanne Spencer.