Nancy Sue Umbarger

Phillipsburg resident, Nancy Sue Umbarger, passed away on June 3, 2026, at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, KS, at the age of 69.

Nancy was born on January 9, 1957, in Waynesville, MO, to her parents Waldo and Doris (Johnson) Hale.  She grew up in Tarkio, MO, where she attended school and graduated in 1975. 

On June 27, 1975, she married the love of her life, Danny. Together, they built a life founded on love, dedication, and family. In the summer of 1981, Danny and Nancy moved to Phillipsburg, KS, where they established their home and raised their family.

Caring for others was a defining part of Nancy's life. She began her healthcare career as a nurse's aide at Fairfax Community Hospital in Fairfax, MO, while attending Northwest Missouri State University, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) degree. After moving to Phillipsburg, she worked at Phillips County Hospital and Clinic from 1981 until 1990. In August 1990, the family relocated to Denver, CO, where Nancy continued her nursing career at St. Anthony Hospital. Family members fondly remember that during those years, there always seemed to be an endless supply of multi-colored pens around the house, as each nursing shift used a different color. In 1992, the family returned to Phillipsburg, and Nancy continued pursuing her education. In May 1994, she graduated from Barton County Community College as a Registered Nurse. She then returned to Phillips County Hospital and Clinic, where she faithfully cared for patients until 2002.

While nursing was her profession, caring for people was simply who Nancy was. Her kindness, compassion, and gentle nature made a lasting impact on countless patients, coworkers, friends, and family members throughout her life. She found fulfillment in helping others and approached everyone she met with warmth and understanding.

While Nancy found fulfillment in many aspects of her life, nothing brought her more joy than being a grandmother. Her four grandchildren—Garrett, Hannah, Riley, and Landon—were the center of her world. She treasured every moment spent with them and delighted in watching them grow. When they were babies, family members often joked that it was nearly impossible to get them out of her arms. She could frequently be found rocking them in her chair while listening to her favorite country music, completely content to spend hours holding them close. She filled countless photo albums with pictures of her grandchildren and loved surprising them with clothes, toys, and thoughtful gifts. Nothing made her happier than having all of her grandchildren together, especially during the holidays when the house was filled with laughter, conversation, and cherished family traditions.

Nancy was also gifted with her hands and expressed her love through quilting and crocheting. Over the years, she lovingly created blankets for her children, grandchildren, nieces, and many others she cared about. Each blanket was made with patience, skill, and love, becoming a treasured keepsake for those fortunate enough to receive one. In recent years, she and Danny especially enjoyed planting flowers together each spring, taking pride in creating colorful displays around their home. She especially cherished Christmas, when the entire family gathered together, and she could enjoy the holiday treats Danny made while spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Those who knew Nancy will remember her as sweet, kind, loving, and selfless. She devoted her life to caring for others, whether as a nurse, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, or friend. Her greatest legacy is the love she shared so freely and the example she set through a life of compassion, generosity, and devotion to family. Though she will be deeply missed, the memories she created and the lives she touched will continue to bring comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Waldo and Doris, brother Larry Hale, and sister Kathy Bradfield.

Survivors include husband Danny Umbarger of Phillipsburg, KS; son Dustin Umbarger and wife Laura of Phillipsburg, KS; daughter Melissa McAlister and husband Vince of Derby, KS; brother Mike Hale and wife Nancy of Council Bluffs, IA; sister Brenda Kenagy and husband Mike of Fayette, MO; and her four grandchildren.

A memorial service for Nancy will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg, KS, with Pastor Ted Stapleton officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Phillipsburg, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Phillips County EMS.