Nancy Jo Westbrook

Nancy Jo Westbrook passed away on September 26, 2025 at Good Samaritan Health Care Facility in Loveland, Colorado.

Nancy was born on January 13, 1940 in Concordia, Kansas. She grew up on a farm located north of Scandia, Kansas. For two years, she attended Pleasant Grove School, a one room schoolhouse. In 1948 the family moved to Belleville, Kansas. She graduated from Belleville High School in 1957. In addition to participating in music, band, and theatrical arts, she was a member of the International Thespian Society.

In 1957 she enrolled at Fort Hays State University, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Language Arts and Speech. During the summer months she worked at a Girl Scout Camp near Coffeyville, Kansas known as "Wa-Chic-a-Noka." She worked two summers at Marshdale Lodge near Evergreen, Colorado. It was during those years she decided that someday she wanted to live in Colorado permanently.

While attending Fort Hays State University, a certain individual asked her for a date and love was in the air. On February 14, 1961 Jerry proposed, asking if she would marry him. She said "Yes" with happy tears. On August 6, 1961 they were married at the First Methodist Church in Belleville, KS.

Her teaching career began in Osborne, Kansas where she taught language arts and directed theater productions. In 1962 the couple moved to McCook, Nebraska where Jerry took a position with the Bureau of Reclamation. Nancy took a position at McCook High School teaching language arts and coaching debate. They spent many weekends traveling to Lincoln or Kearney to attend debate contests.

On the road again in 1966, Nancy and Jerry moved to Lakewood, Colorado. This was an exciting move because Nancy's wish came true of being able to live in Colorado. The decision beat out job offers in South Dakota, New Mexico, Washington, DC and Bangkok, Thailand. All of their children were born in the Denver area.

In 1974, the family moved to Loveland along with a black and white cat named "Diamond". Nancy was a stay-at-home mom caring for their children Amy, Marcia and Michael. She strongly believed that family came first and enjoyed attending scholastic and athletic events.

In 1984, she went back to work full time. She taught language arts at Conrad Ball Middle School for 10 years and at Bill Reed Middle School for one year. She retired in 1993 to care for grandkids, but continued to substitute in the classroom until 2004.

During her teaching years she would always walk the family Pomeranians (Taffy and Tigger) around the block every morning before going to school. As far as she was concerned, there was only one breed of dog, and that was a Pomeranian. She loved them all, even though they were feisty and bold, but also loyal!

Nancy and Jerry enjoyed traveling. On their 30th wedding anniversary they toured Europe to celebrate the occasion. On their 50th anniversary, they were accompanied by their children and grandchildren on a 10-day cruise to Alaska. They celebrated their 64th anniversary on August 6, 2025 at Good Samaritan Village.

After retirement, Nancy and Jerry enjoyed cruises to Canada, Mexico, Central America, and The Caribbeans. They also traveled to England, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Nancy is survived by her husband Jerry, daughter Marcia, son Michael (Jo Dee) and their children Lucas, Allison, and Molly of Loveland, grandson Christian (Erin) Zubia of Henderson, NV, granddaughter Nicole (Grant) Mooney of Willow Springs, NC and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by daughter Amy, father and mother Glenn and Lois (Johnson) Housholder, brother Darwin Housholder, sister Barbara (Glen) Swearingen, and nephews Larry Swearingen and Kim Swearingen.

The Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday October 24 at 10:00 am at the First United Methodist Church, 533 Grant Ave, Loveland, CO followed by a reception in Coy Hall. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Thompson Education Foundation or First United Methodist Church.