Thinking of our mom today. RIP
Nancy Ruth (Bolger) Smith (August 3, 1939-August 31, 2020) of Hollister, MO, passed away Monday August 31, 2020. She had sustained a series of strokes over the past year.
She was born to Glenn Harold Bolger and Ada Ruth (Thomas) Bolger on August 3, 1939 in Carroll County Iowa. Nancy graduated from Coon Rapids High School (IA) in 1957. She attended Iowa State Teacher’s College receiving an associate degree and teaching certification in 1959.
On August 7, 1959 she married her life-long sweetheart William Leverne Smith in Coon Rapids, Iowa. Nancy taught elementary school for a year before becoming a full-time mother. In the 1970s and 1980s, she worked alongside her husband as the business manager in their accounting practice. In the 1990s and 2000s, she managed Vision to Action Publishing and co-authored several books with her daughter Annette on topics related to reading and technology. They also co-authored two books focusing on their family history including After Glow: The Poetry of Laura Wilson Anderson and One Hundred Days: The Civil War Diary of Norman Wilson.
After living in Iowa, California, Mississippi, Arizona, Utah, Kentucky, New York, and Kansas, she and Bill retired to a cabin in the woods of of the southern Missouri Ozarks near Branson.
Nancy enjoyed playing the piano, creating needlecraft, building puzzles, and reading a wide range of books. Her passion for genealogy and travel has been passed down to her daughters. Nancy was immensely proud and supportive of her family. She was a strong women who set a marvelous example for her three daughters.
Nancy is survived by her husband Bill and three daughters: Annette Christine Lamb and her husband Larry Johnson, of Teasdale, Utah; Allison Ruth King of Hollister, Missouri; and Arrion Sue Rathsack and her husband Ben of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by two grandchildren: Alex and Kaylee Rathsack, along with step-grandchildren and great step-grandchildren. She was predeceased by daughter Appril Eileen Smith and son-in-law Ed King.
A private burial will take place at the Union Township Cemetery near Coon Rapids (IA). Plans for a Celebration of Life will be shared at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made in her name to the charity of your choice.
To read the obituary, go to Obituary: Nancy Ruth Smith.
To view the photo album, go to Nancy Ruth Smith (1939-2020).