Nancy VanMeter, of Springfield, passed away on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at her sister’s home.
She is survived by her son, John R. Petty of Cary; daughters, Sarah E. Grady of Bellville, and Kathryn C. Petty of Springfield; a twin brother John R. (Ruth) of Neenah, WI; a sister Barbara (Lawrence) Kyes of Petersburg; grandchildren, Christopher Petty, Clinton Petty, Matthew Petty, Allison Petty, Trey Petty, and William Grady III, and by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Nancy was born on April 15, 1940 in Springfield, IL, the daughter of William H. and Polly Souther VanMeter. She obtained her BA from Lawrence College in Appleton, WI., and her MA in English from the University of Illinois. She taught grade school in Okinawa and Germany on military bases, grade school in Elgin, IL, and taught English at several colleges. She was a certified fund raiser for not for profit organizations and colleges.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM until time of funeral services at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens.
Burial in Fancy Creek Cemetery near Sherman.
Memorials may be made to the Variety Club of St. Louis, MO- A Children’s Charity, 2200 West Port Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63147.
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Posted April 23rd, 2011 at 9:08 am
to Nancy’s Family,
Several months ago I came across this quote and immediately thought of Nancy. She was a foundation for my family. When I struggle and dig deep to find the best in me- the accepting kindness, the clear eye- that is where I find her.
with love, Mary
To laugh often and love much:
to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children:
to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends:
to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition:
to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation:
to know one life has breathed easier because you have lived. . .
this is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Posted April 23rd, 2011 at 12:01 pm
My heartfelt condolences to all of Nancy’s family. I graduated Rochester High School with Nancy and John and we shared many e-mails in 2008 during the 50th class reunion which I was unable to attend. Nancy accomplished so much in her life and you can be so proud of her. God bless you all.
Sandra (Sandi) Laughery Gorin Glasgow, KY
Posted April 24th, 2011 at 7:00 am
Nancy was a wonderful friend to our family—from our days at the lake to the card parties for the girls in her life. Her holiday generousity and many kindnesses to our sister Jackie will always endear Nanacy to us.
Posted April 24th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
Barb, John, and family, I am sooo sorry. you’re all in my thoughts and prayers. Barb, I’m so glad you could take her home and care for her toward the end.
Sincerely, Karen Erickson Johnson