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Nancy Whitaker Obituary

Nancy Whitaker

Nancy Carolyn (Brown) Whitaker, 75, Springfield, Mo, died Friday, October 15, 2015 surrounded by her family. She was born in Independence, MO and grew up in the Blue Springs area.

Nancy graduated from Blue Springs High School and received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees from Northeast Missouri State University. She moved to Springfield in 1976 and was a teacher of Business at Ash Grove High School for almost 30 years. She also worked as a Tax consultant for H&R Block for over 20 years. She loved quilting and was a member of the Ozarks Piecemakers Quilt Guild.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Margery E. Brown; brother, Lawrence S. Brown Sr.; and grandson, Dremont J. Evans.

She leaves her father, Lawrence L. Brown; son, Jeffery S. (wife Julie) Whitaker and their family of Springfield, MO; daughter, Chris (Whitaker) Evans (husband Chuck) and their family of Greensboro, NC; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be Saturday at 10:30 am, October 24, in the Jones Chapel in Odessa, MO.

In lieu of flower, memorial donations may be made to the Southwest Missouri Alzheimer's Association

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News-Leader on Oct. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Nancy Whitaker

Not sure what to say?





Heather Gregg

October 16, 2023

Oh Mrs. Whitaker you were one my greatest teachers. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.

Joyce Sanders

October 16, 2022

Nancy, we miss you and all you did for us at OPQG!

Nancy at Kinderhook retreat.

Becky Wolpert

November 1, 2015

Here is another great shot of Nancy doing what she loved best.

Sewing at Kinderhook - controlled 'scrappy'

Becky Wolpert

November 1, 2015

Dear Chris and Jeff,

I spent many hours sewing with your mom at Open Sew at OPQG. We always sat right next to each other, and I was comforted by her talking to herself (Wait a minute...this piece isn't turned right!) Nancy was always willing to share helpful hints or easier ways to do something. She and I shared memories of the KC area, also. When we went to retreat at Kinderhook, she was the driver, and we crammed a lot into that van!
She was always willing to step up and do a job for our guild. When she fell ill, it took a lot more than 2 or 3 people to fill those jobs. And of course, no one can fill the void her passing has left in our hearts and lives. May God comfort you and your families.
Becky Wolpert

Phyllis Swearingen

November 1, 2015

Nancy was a dear friend. We had so much fun together at Open Sews, Retreats or just going out to dinner, always Oriental which we loved. I've known and loved Nancy for a long time and there are no words to express how much I miss her. She was not a complainer so unless you watched very closely you didn't know when she didn't feel well. I think that was why her death was such a surprise to so many. All of us in the Guild love to sew and make quilts but I've never seen anyone who was as dedicated as Nancy. It was a mission for her to complete projects, if possible, on a time frame that she kept in a little note book in her sewing bag. I loved this woman, my friend, and I'm so sorry for all her family and friends for their loss. She was a special lady.

Sandy Sutton

October 30, 2015

Nancy was one of the first persons I met at the quilt guild. She was very friendly and always willing to share her knowledge of quilting. I enjoyed working with her at various guild activities. The guild and I will really her. She was a great promoter for the guild. I am so sorry for your loss.

October 29, 2015

Nancy was the first person whose name I learned when I joined the guild. She was always gracious to new members and willing to share her knowledge. She made some beautiful quilts. She was such an asset to the guild. Nancy was ready and willing to volunteer for most anything that needed to be done. I'll miss seeing her at open sew and in January at the Baby Quilt sew-in. God bless your family and her friends while you deal with her loss. We will miss her too.
Karen King
Clever, MO

Lida Linder

October 27, 2015

Nancy was very kind & helpful to our many members. As a new member, she helped many of us and we will always be grateful to her and remember her willingness to help others. She will be missed a lot.

Glenda Summerlin

October 27, 2015

I did not know Nancy well but I knew of her good works and her wllingness to help others. When we do baby quilts at the Guild I will always think of her. Her presence will be missed. So sorry for your loss.

Sue Davis

October 26, 2015

Nancy was involved in so many activities at guild. She was organized and willing to help. It was an honor when she asked me to embroider the name block for the T-shirt quilt. The quilt turned out beautiful. Nancy will be missed by many of us.

Karla Kuklaw

October 26, 2015

I first got to know Nancy at PMS (Projects, Munchies, & Sewing). We then started a small open sew where only a few gathered. I so enjoyed visiting with her while we were sewing. She was always so willing to share her knowledge of quilting. She will be greatly missed at quilt guild and open sew.

Anita Gerdes

October 26, 2015

I met Nancy at Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild, and reported to her for several projects and workshops. She was always so appreciative, kind, & gracious. Her instructions were always clear. I was so sad to hear of her illness and then passing. My condolences to all of you, her family & friends.

Kay Turney

October 26, 2015

Nancy was always there for the guild. She was as solid as a rock. You always knew she would be there for you. I'm sorry we lost her. Her presents will be missed.

Maureen Ashlock

October 26, 2015

I will miss Nancy so much and our talks at the quilt guild waiting for the evening meetings. As a long term member of the guild I attended many meetings, lunches and special birthday functions with her. She has left a mark on my heart. Such a privilege to have had her as a friend

Loretta Loibl

October 26, 2015

Your Mother was so inspirational, I always admired her enthusiasm and organization. She will be so missed at Quilt Guild. A lovely lady to be sure. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Katy Conde

October 26, 2015

My deepest sympathy to Nancy's Family. Nancy was such an asset to the OPQG. She will truly be missed. God Bless

Judy Robinson

October 26, 2015

I just can't believe she is gone. She was involved in nearly every aspect of the quilt guild. She impacted the lives of many. First her students during her teaching career and the lives she touched thru her quilting.

October 26, 2015

Nancy was such a huge part of the Ozarks Piecemakers Quilt Guild. She will be missed. Memories of Nancy will keep her in our hearts.

Joyce Sanders

October 26, 2015

We will miss Nancy immensely. She volunteered for so many activities at our quilt guild for many years. Please know that we all thought a lot of Nancy and appreciated all she did for us.

Karen Jones

October 26, 2015

I was so sorry to hear of Nancy's death. We spent many hours over the past 12 years stitching together at guild and also at our Kinderhook Retreat. I will miss seeing her.

Jane Freeman

October 26, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Nancy. I did not know her well, however, we did do some quilting together. May God's Angels wrap their wings around this family to provide support and comfort.

Georgeann (Roudybush) Himes

October 24, 2015

Was one of the best teachers I ever had. I was lucky enough to get to see her a few years back and remember some good times . Bless her family and all who knew her.

Edward Owen

October 24, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about Nancy's passing; it is a shock to me. I have known her since the sixth grade in Blue Springs. More recently, we exchanged family history information. She was still learning how to investigate her roots. Her mother left her information about family roots in Clay and Lafayette counties; going back 5 generations. She still considered Jackson county as her home even though she had been away for more than 50-years. She was a special person and will be sorely missed.

Collen Bearden Hardy

October 23, 2015

She was a wonderful teacher. Incredibly patient!! No one else was patient enough to teach me how to type!

Kendra Craft ( Kirby)

October 23, 2015

What a legacy Mrs Whitaker leaves behind. She influenced all of her students lives not only in the classroom but by being such a great mentor. Think of her often while using the skills she taught so well. May God give peace and comfort to her family.

Terry Thompson

October 23, 2015

I have worked with Nancy at H&R Block for 25 years. She started the same year I did. Lots of fun, good memories and lots of tax questions. There will be a loss in our office this year without her. Blessings to her family.

Beckey Crowder

October 23, 2015

I will pass your desk and miss your smiling face. I feel blessed to of had you as my friend and co worker for the past 20yrs.

October 23, 2015

She was my teacher and I use what she taught me everyday. Very special person. So sorry to hear of your loss.
Stephanie Davis (Johnson)

Amber Baker-Lutz

October 23, 2015

She was a wonderful teacher. Prayers to her family.

Kim Whitehead Wheeler

October 23, 2015

Truly wonderful teacher and person. So sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers for the family's loss and God's hand in wonderful memories.

Elizabeth Ingram

October 23, 2015

I had her in typing, she was a great teacher, she will be missed

Heather Altic-Gregg

October 23, 2015

I remember Mrs. Whitaker who taught me several classes in high school and was our FBLA leader. A wonderful mentor and woman. May God provide her family peace and comfort at this time.

Rhonda Hipp

October 22, 2015

One of my best teachers at Ash Grove who gave me the love for business and set me on the path that has taken me so far over the past 30+ years..to her family, I am so sorry for your loss.

Susan Rhudy

October 22, 2015

I'm also a quilter and would often see her at the fabric stores. She was a great teacher and nice person.

Gene and Sara Hill

October 22, 2015

May God comfort and keep you during this period for the loss of your loved one. I was so sorry to hear of Nancy's passing. Nancy taught for me at Ash Grove High School for 10 years. She was always a delight to be around and work with. Her impact on the students she taught will be felt in this community for years to come. Again may God bless and keep you and your family.

Janet Volkl

October 22, 2015

Nancy was a key member of the Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild and did her best to make me feel welcome when I was a new member. She will be missed but I know she is in a better place with the Lord.

October 22, 2015

Nancy and I had some very good times in our travels together. Chris and Jeff, know that you and your families were loved dearly and a great source of pride to Nancy. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Lynette Thomas--fellow business teacher

phyllis Campbell

October 22, 2015

Lawrence, Chris and Jeff.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I have been friends with Nancy and her family since we were 4 years old. We had so many wonderful memories together growing up in Blue Springs.

She will be missed by all.

Sincerely,

Phyllis Williams Campbell

Charlotte Taylor

October 22, 2015

Nancy and I were colleagues at Ash Grove School and retired together. She was an important and respected leader among the teachers. She encouraged me to join Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild where she was an active member and leader. I'm sorry for your loss and joyful that we know she will spend eternity with the Lord.

Bill & Mary Whitaker

October 21, 2015

Our hearts and prayers are with you Jeff and Chris.

Audrey Bridges

October 21, 2015

Nancy has been a wonderful Business ed. fellow teaher for about 30 years. I have also enjoyed her friendship at monthly retired business ed. teachers' luncheons in the Springfield area the last few years. My life is richer for having known her.

Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results

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Memorial Events
for Nancy Whitaker

Oct

24

Celebration of Life

10:30 a.m.

Midwest Cremation & Funeral Services, LLC - Springfield

2026 W Woodland St., Springfield, MO 65807

Funeral services provided by:

Midwest Cremation & Funeral Services, LLC - Springfield

2026 W Woodland St., Springfield, MO 65807

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