Nancy Jane Smith

Nancy Jane Hanson Smith, who passed away Tuesday morning, May 28, 2024, at The Journey Home, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, at the age of 85.  She was born November 12, 1938, to John Malcolm and Dorothy Anne Robar Hanson at Boston Osteopathic Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.

Nancy attended Medford Hillside Grade School in Medford, Massachusetts.  After moving from Medford to Denver, Colorado in 1949, she continued her schooling and graduated from Aurora High School, Class of 1956.

Nancy was united in marriage to Samie Lee Smith on October 1, 1961, at the First Christian Church in Hoxie, Kansas.  Nancy and Sam raised three children- Bryan Leighton, Scott Lathan, and Shanda Sue.

Nancy was a homemaker until 1974 when she began working outside the home as the deputy County Clerk at the Sheridan County Courthouse in Hoxie.  Later, Nancy and Sam purchased Mrs. D’s Shoppe, a ladies clothing store in Hoxie, and she operated that store for many years.  Nancy may also be fondly remembered as manager at the Hoxie Short Stop, the local Ben Franklin store, bookkeeping for the Hoxie Coop or working at Red’s Convenience Store.  Nancy was a “people person” and especially enjoyed her volunteer time with the Hoxie Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Wagon.

Nancy enjoyed working with her hands, from knitting and sewing, to baking goodies, and playing the piano.  She most loved taking care of her family, especially the time with her grandkids.

Nancy was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church, where she served as Elder and in the women’s organizations.   She was a Cub Scout leader for many years and enjoyed membership in the Cultus Club and Order of Eastern Star, all in Hoxie.  Nancy was a part of Monday Night Bible Study Group for many years.

In 2005, Nancy and Sam moved to Independence, Kansas to be closer to their children and for health reasons.  Nancy began volunteering with the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary and attended church at the First Church of the Nazarene.  She spent countless hours helping with the church’s community clothes closet and did so for many years.  Nancy was a member of Sassy Sisters, and enjoyed playing cards every Wednesday evening with a group of friends.

Survivors include her sons Bryan Smith, Tulsa, OK; Scott Smith and wife Anne, Dallas, TX; daughter Shanda Chambers and husband James, Independence, KS; grandchildren Lathan Smith; Eden Smith; Courtney (Chris) Goen; and Logan Chambers; and great granddaughters Savannah and Taylor Goen.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents; husband Sam in July 2012; brothers John M. Hanson, Jr. and Richard S. Hanson; grandchildren Kalan N. Smith and Ashley N. Chambers.

Nancy was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.   She was a gift from God, and now she has returned to His care, leaving her family and friends’ lives richer from her positivity and many cherished memories.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home and Cremation Service.