Nancy was born on December 24, 1954, in Rolla, ND to Lloyd and Agnes (Guderjahn) Bush. She was the 5th of 7 kids and grew up on the family farm south of Rolla. In addition to working on the farm, she helped care for her youngest brother Kenny. She graduated from Rolla High School in 1973, and attended NDSCS from 1973-1974.
After dating for 5 years, Nancy married the love of her life, Rick, at Sacred Heart Church in Rolette on July 2, 1977. They loved and supported each other through all of life's journeys. Rick and Nancy raised their kids Shane and Jordan in Rolette. Nancy was so proud of her boys and was active in their sports, on church committees, and with the Jaycettes. She enjoyed watching a good baseball game from the back of the pickup and loved spending time with many wonderful friends.
She worked as a receptionist at the Rolla Clinic for over 36 years where she managed a front desk and the schedules for 8 providers. She was compassionate and dedicated to her work, even on the hard days.
In 2012, Rick and Nancy moved to Valley City, ND. Nancy worked as a Prescription Tech at the Barnes County Adult Services where she touched the lives of so many people and found the work very fulfilling. In October of 2016 they purchased a camper at the Woodland Resort in Devils Lake, ND. Nancy cherished time at her “Happy Place” and poured her heart and soul into making their campsite an inviting home. She loved having a summer drink around the campfire, taking her grandkids on golf cart and boat rides, and any visit with family and friends.
Nancy knew how to have a good time. She had a quick wit and a sense of humor like no other. She was very strong but also so loving and generous of her time. She never hesitated to send a batch of food, check in with a phone call or text, or help people out in any way she could.
She enjoyed chatting over a few cups of coffee (always Folgers), reading, cooking family favorite recipes, gardening, home decorating, and the Big One Craft Show.
Her guilty pleasures included chocolate beer, Real Housewives, candy crush, and well-placed practical jokes.
Her children and grandchildren brought her so much joy. She had seemingly endless amounts of love and energy for them.
Brielle shared her Nana's love for pranks, butterflies, and donuts. Nancy loved supporting her dedication to gymnastics and made it a priority to see at least a couple of meets each year.
She loved seeing Barrett play sports and fish and whenever they were together, they could be heard sharing jokes and stories.
Benson loved to give her intense hugs, could always talk Nana into a golf cart ride, and loved to play games with her on her iPad.
Nancy was always encouraging Ledger’s obsession with boats and fishing. On early summer mornings, it was well known that they could be found in Papa’s boat chatting over muffins.
Her spitfire attitude was fondly passed down to Henley and she was always willing to paint her nails and play dress up.
Nancy is survived by her husband of 45 years, Rick; Sons: Shane (Ashley); Wyoming, MN and Jordan (Fallon), Surrey; Grandchildren, Brielle, Barrett, Benson, Wyoming, MN and Ledger and Henley, Surrey; Sisters: Carolyn (Richard) Griffin, Rolla; Susan (Tim) Graber, Rolette; Kathy (Randy) Modin; Bismarck; Brother: Steven (Carla) Bush, Rugby; Mother-in-law Darlene Berube, Fargo; and many nieces and nephews who she adored. She was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Agnes Bush, brother Kenneth Bush, sister Val Bush, and father-in-law Leonel Berube.
Nancy was an amazing wife, mother, nana, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and dear friend to many and will be greatly missed.
The family will be holding a private ceremony.
A Celebration of Life will be held on June 24 at the Rolette Country Club.