Nancy Smith
July 19, 2014
Nancy Ann (Westrum) Smith, 80, of Des Moines, died Saturday, July 19, 2014, at Wesley Acres in Des Moines. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Monday, July 28, 2014, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Stratford. Burial will follow at the South Marion Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, July 28, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue in Des Moines.
Nancy was born May 31, 1934, in Webster City, Iowa, to Eldon and Ethel (Brown) Westrum. She graduated from Stratford High School in 1952. She received her RN degree in 1955 from Methodist College of Nursing. She worked at Iowa Methodist Hospital, Webster City Hospital and Mercy Medical Center, where her passion was Labor and Delivery. She was an Angel to expecting mothers, fathers, and newborn children.
Nancy had 7 children and being a single mom was not easy. However, she always seemed to pull through somehow, and we never seemed to go hungry. Her pies at Thanksgiving and Swedish meatballs at Christmas were always a favorite for everyone. She was a great cook, fashionable, and always had a good book to share. Her faith was very important to her, and the bible was always her favorite book. She loved spending time at her home in Polk City where she sewed, knitted, crocheted, and tended to the flowers in her garden. Nancy also enjoyed a good cup of coffee, playing solitaire, solving Sudoku puzzles, and beating her kids in a good game of rummy. She had her favorite TV shows, but she enjoyed nothing more than watching Dwayne Wade and the Miami Heat play basketball. Her laughter was contagious; once it got started the whole room would be in tears by the time it was all over. Nancy loved her kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly. Hugs were a priority coming and going. Her sisters, nieces, and nephews and families were very dear to her heart.
There will be tears today for the love she showed, the laughter we shared, and knowing that her longtime of suffering is over. She was a wonderful lady, and will be missed by many. We know she will be dancing in heaven, quoting her favorite quotes and singing her favorite songs. We love you mom, grandma, dearly loved sister, aunt and cousin. God Bless You.
She is survived by her children: Jonathan Smith (Sherry) of Urbandale, IA; Jane Hogan (Jerry) of Cleveland, NC; Jennifer McQuen of Crown Point, IN; Jill Crawford (Keven) of Ankeny IA; Jeffrey Smith (Michelle) of Des Moines, IA; Jacob Smith of Des Moines, IA; Jed Smith of Des Moines, IA. Nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Two sisters Ramona Campbell (Earl) and Mary Jane Delavan (Phil), and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Jonas O. Westrum.
Memorials may be made to the House of Mercy, 1409 Clark Street, Des Moines, IA 50314, or to the family.
Hamilton’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Photos and condolences may be left at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/desmoinesregister/obituary.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Donna (Carr) Noble
07/28/2014
Sorry to learn of your loss, unfortunately I learned of it to late to attend either the visitation or the funeral. I would have been there if I had known. Your Mom was one remarkable lady. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Terri Weisbrich
07/25/2014
My heart is with you in this time of loss. She is in Gods glory where she is dancing and singing. What a great place to be! She is in good company... till we see you again Nancy.. save us a dance . Big love Smith family. you are thought of and prayed for.
LaVon & Torger Johnson
07/24/2014
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. So sorry for your loss. May the peace of the Lord give you strength in the days ahead. Love you all.
Bob Cole
07/24/2014
You all are a great family and I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you find peace and love together!
Sue Grove Mortensen
07/24/2014
Sorry to hear of your mother's passing. It is a hard time no matter what the age or circumstances. May God be your comfort and strength.
Lauri Cole
07/24/2014
I had the privilege of meeting and visiting with Nancy when she visited Mary Jane and Phil. She always had a smile! I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to all.
Richard Campbell
07/24/2014
Nancy was such an important part of my life ever since I can remember. Sweet, Kind, Loving. Such a great mother and example of unconditional love. She makes me smile every time I think of her. She was so involved in my whole families activities and current events. She passed on her sweetness on to every one of her children, grand children and great grand children. I too will miss her smiling face. Til I meet you again NANCY RIP!
sherry tupa
07/23/2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Peggy Wynkoop
07/23/2014
Jenn and Family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. She was a lovely Lady and I'm sure she will be missed.
Peggy Wynkoop
BP Refinery
Patti Vallejo Crouse
07/22/2014
I will always treasure my memories of Nancy and am so thankful to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of her children and grandchildren. May all of your happy memories be a comfort to you at this very difficult time.