Nancy Rafferty

Nancy L. Rafferty, 78, of Grand Island died Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010, at the Golden Living Center Grand Island Lakeview.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at All Faiths Funeral Home. The Rev. William Pavuk will officiate. Her ashes will be scattered on Mustang Island in Texas along with her beloved husband Stanley.

There will be no visitation.

Mrs. Rafferty was born Aug. 16, 1931, at Paxton to Audrey Garnet Barber and Christina (Patterson).

Her husband, Stanley Rafferty, preceded her in death on Jan. 22, 2007.

Survivors of the immediate family include three sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Cynthia Rafferty of Kearney, Patrick Rafferty of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Kelly and Kelly Rafferty of St. Paul; a daughter, Kristen Smith of Grand Island; and a brother and sister-in-law, Benjamin and JoAnna Jameson of Fresno, Calif.

Other survivors are grandchildren, Jason Smith, Aaron Smith, Meressa Bayley, Will Sams, Derek Rafferty and Molly Shae Rafferty; great-grandchildren, Rhianna Bayley, Cadence Cooper Smith and Kai Jackson Smith and nephew and niece, Richard and Suzanne Jameson.

Along with her husband she was welcomed into heaven by her parents and great-grandson, Jackson Stanley Smith.

Nancy was raised in Paxton moving to North Platte in the 7th grade and graduating from North Platte Senior High, class of 1949.

She was united in marriage to Stanley Rafferty on June 4, 1949. The couple lived in North Platte, Denver and later moving to California before returning to North Platte in 1963. They have made Grand Island their home since 1986.

Nancy had a passion for music having provided the ministry of music for many. She was music director at St. Pauls Lutheran Church where she was a member. She enjoyed baking, golfing, sewing, flower gardening and most of all, her time spent with grandchildren.

Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association.

Condolences may be sent to www.giallfaiths.com.

Please sign the guestbook at www.theindependent.com/obits.