Nancy Lee Mott, 78, of Millersburg, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026.
Nancy was born on July 26, 1947, to Virgil and Virginia Slater. She grew up in Moline, Illinois, where she attended Moline High School, graduating with the Class of 1965. In October 1964, she married the love of her life, Stuart Mott, beginning a journey together marked by adventure.
Nancy’s life was defined by curiosity, compassion, and courage. As a military spouse and later a nurse, she and her family lived all over the country. In 1969, Nancy began her nursing career at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The children she cared for there left such a profound impact that she named her second and third children after patients she had loved dearly—a testament to her deep empathy and heart for others.
Nancy earned her Registered Nurse degree from Kearney State College and later answered another call to service. In 1985, she was commissioned into the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, fulfilling her desire to serve her country. Remarkably, just six months later, she proudly commissioned her daughter as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army—one of the many moments that reflected her pride in her family and her belief in strong, capable women.
In 1989, fueled by her adventurous spirit, Nancy became a traveling nurse, caring for patients across the United States. One of her favorite assignments was in Rockport, Maine, a place she cherished and where her compassionate care was deeply valued. She also loved her time in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, especially the hauntingly beautiful call of the loons—sounds she first grew to love while working in the Midwest and remembered fondly for years afterward. Eventually, she made her home in Millersburg, Missouri.
Nancy had a zest for life and an eye for a good bargain. She delighted in estate sales and auctions and never passed up the thrill of finding a treasure. She was a devoted sports fan, cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Nebraska Cornhuskers, and college basketball. She loved Moline hometown favorites like Frank’s Pizza and the Maid-Rite, and she treasured travel—especially later-in-life trips to Europe with her children.
Always “fancy,” Nancy loved dressing up with scarves, hats, jewelry, and just the right pair of shoes. She was a wonderful listener, genuinely interested in other people’s stories, and she made those around her feel seen and heard.
She is survived by her children: Kimberly (Scott) Carden of Sparks, Nevada; Kari (Randall) Watson of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Lancer (Tara) Mott of Farmington, Missouri; and by her beloved grandchildren, Ian Watson, Berkeley Mott, and Ashton Mott. She is also survived by her brother, Michael (Bonnie) Slater, and her nephew, Todd Slater.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and by her husband, Stuart Mott, whom she loved deeply.
There will be no formal services. Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Family and friends are invited to remember Nancy in her own special way—perhaps by raising a toast to her with her favorite beverage, a classic Coca-Cola. Coplin Funeral Home of Park Hills, Missouri is in charge of the arrangements.