Nancy Jane Zink

Nancy Jane (Windsor) Zink was born July 14, 1939 in Clinton, MO to Dr. George H. and Eileen (Robertson) Windsor. She graduated from Windsor High School in 1957 and went on to pursue a career in teaching. Nancy married her high school sweetheart, Jess Zink, on August 2, 1959 in the First Christian Church of Windsor. She graduated from Central Missouri State College in Warrensburg with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1961. Nancy and Jess moved to Rolla in 1972 and gave their children, Kathy, Jeff, Shelly and Elizabeth, a very happy upbringing.

In 1978, Nancy started working at Rolla High School (RHS) in Special Education and then moved on to teaching her favorite subject, Home Economics. Nancy taught a variety of courses that ranged from Independent Living, Child Development, World Foods to Interior Design. Student cooking demonstrations, sugar eggs and gingerbread houses were favorite classroom activities. Nancy retired in 2004 after teaching for over 25 years. RHS staff and students were Nancy's second family. She was honored many times by RHS students through the Huffman Award and National Honor Society's Most Influential Teacher award. She sponsored the Future Homemakers of America (FHA) student organization, continuing her time in FHA after being a State Officer in her high school days.

Nancy was a Member of PEO since 1958 in Windsor, MO with her mother and later joined Chapter EM in Rolla. She helped start Chapter KU and was the charter Corresponding Secretary. Later, Nancy rejoined the evening chapter of EM once she started teaching. Nancy was extremely grateful to be honored in 2023 for her 65 years of membership. She was particularly involved in the Educational Loan Fund (ELF), a loan fund that was established in 1907 to help women obtain funding for higher education.

Nancy and Jess shared a strong faith background and participated in the founding of Ozark Highlands Christian Church, which officially became a church in 1983. OHCC started holding services in the Forum Cinemas until they were able to build a lovely white church out Highway BB in Rolla. She was actively involved in Christian Women's Fellowship, Sunday school, outreach activities and served as a Board member for many years. Making apple butter for the fall fundraiser with her Ozark Highland family was one of her favorite activities.

Nancy was happiest while trout fishing at Bennett Springs, cooking & teaching others to cook, watching the Cardinals & Chiefs, winning at Pitch or Cribbage, being outdoors, gardening, reading, enjoying time with grandkids & great-grandkids and celebrating special occasions throughout the year. Her family came first and she was game for anything.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. George H. & Eileen Windsor; and her husband, Jess. She is survived by her brother, Dr. George E. Windsor and wife, Caroline; sisters-in-law, Lorene Zink and Mary Norris; daughter Kathy Bade; son Jeff Zink (Susan); daughter Shelly Hays (Danny); daughter Elizabeth Ward (Chris); 10 grandchildren (Rachel (Ben) Holterman, Audrey (Tyler) Wilson, Jessika Zink-Cook (Rhett), Nick Zink, Bennett Zink, Macey Hays, Jesse Hays, Baylor Ward, Grant Ward & Campbell Ward; 6 great-grandchildren (Charlotte Holterman, Sam Holterman, Sawyer Wilson, Natyli Wilson, Ladd Cook, Holt Cook); many beloved nieces, nephews and extended family members.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Shelly, Kate, Marcy and Katlin for their compassionate support and care for Nancy. Thank you to Phelps Health Hospice for tremendous guidance and medical care.

Visitation will be held at Null and Son Funeral Home on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 4-7 pm. Service will be held at 10:00 am at Null and Son on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, September 13 at 3:00 pm at Laurel Oak Cemetery in Windsor, MO. Memorial donations may be made to the general scholarship fund for Champions of Rolla Education (CORE): www.rolla31.org/49976_3 or PEO Educational Loan Fund (ELF) P.E.O. Foundation - P.E.O. International (PEO Chapter: EM\MO Rolla).

Online condolences may be offered at www.nullandsonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Null and Son Funeral Home of Rolla.