Nancy Lou Howser

Nancy Lou Howser (Hotchkiss), 82, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2026, at Valley View Village in Des Moines, surrounded by her daughters and her fiancé, Loyde.

Nancy was born December 20, 1943, in Woodward, Iowa to Betty (Hoskinson) and Russell Hotchkiss. She married Denny Howser on September 9, 1961, at First Christian Church in Granger, Iowa. They shared 48 years of marriage, raising their three daughters with love, steadiness, and a deep commitment to family.

She was an incredibly hard worker throughout her life and genuinely enjoyed every position she held.

She loved the outdoors, spending time with friends, traveling, biking, and dancing. She took part in team sports herself and loved being there for the sporting events of her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved showing up for her family – whether they were on the field, on the court, in the band, or singing in chorus. Whatever they were doing, she was proud to be there.

She is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Jones (Gary) of Wellington, CO, Kelly Charlson (Tim Fritz) of Runnells, IA, and Michele Robinson (Kirk) of Runnells, IA. She is also survived by her fiancé, Loyde Lull; and her sisters, Belle Maurer (Russ) of Breinigsville, PA and Julia Farr of Chaplin, SC.

Her grandchildren and their children include Hailey Atkinson (Shane) and their child, Taylor; Zachary Sanford (Melody) and their children, Nicole and George; Austin Sanford (Aline) and their children, Oliver and Maya; Whitney Myers (Nick) and their children, Raegan and Grayson; Blake Wilkerson (Lynsi) and their children, Audrie and Brantley; Tannah Wilkerson and her children, Dawson and Renlea; Kodi Robinson (Chelsey) and their children, Maverick, Bohdi and Jovie; and McKenzie Massey (Chris) and their children, Caleb and Ella.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Denny Howser; her parents, Betty Brooks and Russell Hotchkiss; siblings, Gary Hotchkiss, Bob Morrison, and Kay Herr; and her great-granddaughter, Maddie Lou Massey.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Monday, May 25, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to AHeinz57 Pet Rescue and Transport.

Those who knew her can imagine her laughing as her daughters worked together to write this.

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