Nancy Nabors

Nancy Nabors was a warm, free-spirited woman who loved the adventure of living each new day. She was vibrant and caring and remained deeply committed to her family and friends throughout her life.

Although 1944 saw the nation still in the clutches of World War II, the final days were near. On June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, Allied divisions began landing on Normandy Beach in France. Back home in the states, people were trying to put such worries behind them by attending the newly released movie “Going My Way” with Bing Crosby. School children were being introduced to the novel, “Johnny Tremain”. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ruth was pregnant and had contracted polio. But miracles do happen, and on March 11, 1944, Ruth gave birth to their daughter, Nancy. Although little was known about the disease at that time, Nancy was given the proper medication and went on to live a healthy life.

The Korsky’s lived on Griggs St. on the southeast side of Grand Rapids. Nancy attended Burton Elementary and Buchanan Elementary Schools. Mischievous Nancy often spent time sitting in the hallway, having practiced her skill of talking during lesson time. She was a girl full of energy, and she and her friends would sometimes ride their bikes along the railroad tracks, trying to outrun the trains that ran near her home. While growing up, Nancy would often help her father in the radio show that he hosted for veterans. It was her job to distribute the poppies that were, and still are, so popular at Veteran’s Day observances. Nancy attended South High School, but left school prior to graduation. Realizing the need for an education, she completed high school, receiving her GED, and attended Davenport University, where she took bookkeeping classes.

Nancy married her first husband, Richard Runnels, and together they had a daughter Debbie and operated a service station. Nancy used her hard earned education to do the books for the service station business, as well as doing the bookkeeping for her father, who, besides his radio show, was also in the real estate business. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and Nancy and Richard were divorced. Nancy later married Hal Nabors, a longtime friend and a part-time employee at the service station. Hal and Nancy enjoyed 21 wonderful years together.

Debbie has happy memories of her mother and the good times they had together. She remembers her mother as a fun-loving mom who loved being up north. Nancy found peace here, being by Michigan’s beautiful waters, either by herself, or with family and friends. When Debbie was growing up, her mother became known as the “Community Mom”. They would spend their summers in Kalava, Michigan at their mobile home, ideally located on a lot with a stream running through it. Nancy, Debbie and her friends, sometimes even the cousins, would all be there, enjoying each other’s company. Nancy would take the whole group to a local lake for the day and then for ice cream afterwards. Nancy and Debbie’s relationship was like that of two best friends. They would go shopping together, go to Country and Western concerts, or just “hang out”. Even as adults, the two still enjoyed each other’s company and did many things together. Nancy often spoke of a desire to travel to New York City and walk through beautiful Central Park. Sadly, she never made it.

Nancy had many interests to keep her busy when family was not around. She loved to knit and crochet, a skill she was constantly learning. She was very generous with her talents and made baby clothes, afghans, and toys which she would give to her family. She and Hal worked together hooking rugs. She enjoyed rug making so much that she sometimes referred to herself as “Hooky”. Her home was a place of treats for children and grandchildren alike. When they would come to visit, it was tradition to look for the treat “bag” Nancy had ready for them, even something for the adults. With their busy schedules, Hal and Nancy always made time to be together, just the two of them. Pizza night was a favorite night, when they would order a pizza, Nancy’s favorite food, and spend the evening in the glow of their love for each other.

Everyday was a good day for Nancy. She always said that the highlight of her life was the day she married Hal. Good-naturedly, she would also say that another day came awfully close to being the best – the day Hal presented her with a new sports car, a Z24 Cavalier. Nancy really loved her car.

Nancy Lee Nabors, age 59 of Wyoming, passed away Wednesday, October 22, 2003. Surviving are her husband of 21 years, Hal (Harold) Nabors, her children Debra (Patrick) Maddox, Billy Harold Nabors, Lucinda Jean (Mark) Oppenhuizen, Eric Jon (Satomi) Nabors; her grandchildren Patrick, Justin and Travis, Alicia and Chase. A service to commemorate Nancy’s life will be held Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Van Strien-Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield NE, with entombment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the Kent County Humane Society would be appreciated. Nancy reposes at the funeral chapel where relatives and friends may meet with her family on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Please visit Nancy’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com to read her complete life story, leave a memory or make a memorial contribution.

Nancy Nabors was always a lady, very considerate and caring of her family and others. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.