Nancy Ann Whitener (Nichols) was born on October 2, 1936, to Eunice and W.D. Nichols in Jefferson City, MO. Nancy graduated from Fredericktown High School in 1954. Nancy passed away peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospice House in Kansas City, MO on September 25, 2025.
On October 19, 1957, Nancy married the love of her life, Gary Whitener. In 1960, Nancy and Gary’s first child was born, a daughter Laura Ann. In 1964, daughter Lana Sue was born followed by son, Kerry Eugene in 1966.
Nancy is survived by her children: daughter Laura (Steve) Jamrozy of Washington D.C., daughter Lana (Brant) Deason of Lee’s Summit, MO and son Kerry (Kim) Whitener of Rogersville, MO. Nancy and Gary were blessed with six grandchildren – Katie (Mike) Jamrozy-Hamby, Emily (Baxter) Schanze, Rachel Jamrozy (Ian Evans), Keegan Whitener and step grandsons Nick (Katie) Hurshman and Nathan (Ruthanna) Hurshman. Five great grandchildren - twin great-grandsons Lee and Davis Hamby, step great-grandson Beckam Dallas and twin step great-granddaughters Quinn and Marenn Hurshman.
Additional survivors include brother in-law Larry (Sandra) Whitener, sister in-law Susan (Doug) Settle, niece Andrea Whitener, and nephews Rodney Whitenter, Wes Settle and Brandon Settle.
Nancy’s hobbies included traveling to see grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When her children were young, Nancy was actively involved as room mother, Girl Scout Leader, chauffeur and greatest fan. Throughout her life, Nancy loved to paint, go to movies, sew (especially baby blankets) and play Bingo. Nancy also loved to watch and go to basketball games. In the last year, her favorite team was the Indiana Fever. On game days she would plan her schedule around the Fever televised game times so she wouldn’t miss the game.
Nancy had a full life living in many different cities in Missouri. Gary and Nancy moved across the state as Gary was promoted and reassigned during his 32 years with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. After Gary’s retirement, they moved back home to Marquand, MO, until relocating to the Kansas City area in 2018. Nancy and Gary were married for 61 years until Gary’s passing in 2019.
Services for Nancy will be held on October 2, 2025, on what was to be her 89th Birthday, a true Celebration of Life as Nancy requested. Visitation will be from 10 am to 11 am at Follis & Sons Funeral Home in Fredericktown, MO followed by a graveside service at Whitener Cemetery in Marquand, MO.
