Nancy Kay Vance
Funeral Services for Nancy Kay Vance, age 71, of Faith, SD, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at the Faith Community Center in Faith, SD. Pastor Connie Eichinger will officiate with burial to follow in the Faith City Cemetery.
Nancy grew up on the Lawlar Farm North of Watford City, ND, where her father Carroll partnered with his brothers. As a young girl she spent her days helping prepare lunches to be delivered to the men in the fields, and later worked on the Lawlar farm alongside her dad Carroll. Nancy's mother Rose taught her the art of homemaking. Nancy would later establish her home in Faith with the preparation, love and caring she had learned from her mother. Plus, a lot of good old fashioned elbow grease! The kitchen counter in her Faith home was always filled with baked goodies and her table always held room for more. Her grandchildren quickly realized that a quick stop at Grandma Nancy’s house could net you a couple loaves of banana bread or a plate of her famous buttermilk brownies.
As life sometimes does, tragedy struck the Lawlar family, leaving her brother seriously injured in a farming accident. This was followed by the early passing of her father Carroll. Through it all Nancy's faith, grit and determination kept her strong and committed to being a good daughter, mother, grandmother, wife and servant of God.
Nancy was a devout member of the Faith United Methodist Church where she played the piano for 32 years, manned the church kitchen, served on committees, and helped in the planning and fundraising of the current Church building. Nancy was especially proud that she instilled a strong faith in God in her children.
Nancy was born in Williston, ND; she attended Watford City grade and high school where she graduated in 1963. She attended a year of college in Minot, ND, to become a PE teacher. In the fall Nancy changed majors and attended Northwestern College in Minneapolis, MN graduating with a degree to become a Lab and X-ray Technician. Nancy then took a job in Mobridge, SD, where she met and fell in love with Gary W. Vance. They were united in marriage in Watford City, ND on January 20, 1968. Gary always joked that he brought her family some steaks and that Nancy cooked them just right. Upon moving to Faith Nancy began working at the Faith Clinic where she handled the X-ray and lab duties. As Nancy’s children became involved in school and athletic activities, she focused her time on her family, attending many of the school and athletic events. Many hours and miles were enjoyed by making sure that her children, grandchildren and also many more Faith area children were where they needed to be, well-fed and on time. Later, when the time allowed, Nancy worked in the office at Faith Livestock where she and the “office ladies” tended the books and had countless laughs.
Nancy passed away on Thursday evening, February 16, 2017 at the Rapid City Regional Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City, SD surrounded by family.
Sharing in her life are husband of 49 years Gary Vance, Faith, SD; two sons Scott (Toni) Vance, Faith, SD, Brad Vance (Calie) Lipan TX; daughter LeAnn Wenger (Jack) Rapid City, SD; ten grandchildren, Drew, Madison, Brock, Allix, Blaire, Weston, Whitt, Jack, Brody and Kamdyn. Also sharing in her life are brother- and sister-in-laws, Eileen (Lawlar) Nickisch and husband Willard; Cheryl (Vance) Bieber and Husband John; Darlene (Vance) Hanson and husband Burnell. Many loved nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carroll and Rose Lawlar; and one brother, Keith Lawlar.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the United Methodist Church in Faith, SD.
