Nancy Brown

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Nancy Louise Himes-Brown, age 74, passed away at 7:20 am, Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at Galena Nursing and Rehab Center, Galena, KS following an illness.

Nancy was born February 10, 1945 in Galena, KS. Her parents were Bill Watkins Jr and Lorene (Frazier) Watkins. She was a lifetime resident of Galena.

She began working at Galena Manor in 1978 as a nurse aide. One year later, she transferred to Oak Hill Hospital Joplin, MO and continued to work there at Freeman East Hospital for 32 years. While there, she was a Certified Nurses Aid, Unit Secretary, and later MDS Coordinator. She also worked as a driver for the Galena School System.

She was a member of the Galena Presbyterian Church where she was involved in the Pillar Society. She was also a member of the Lady’s Elks, and the Galena Womans Club. She enjoyed genealogy, scrapbooking, cake decorating, cooking, and photography. Her greatest joy was being with her children and grandchildren.

She was first married to Ralph Earl Himes on November 4, 1960 in Galena, KS. She later married Don “Dog” Brown on September 17, 1987. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, her parents, Bill Watkins Jr and Lorene Curry, one son Ralph “Bub” Himes Jr, grandson Theron, granddaughter Danielle, brother Wayne Watkins, and her best friend, Wilma Ashlock Vaughn.

Surviving are two sons, Keith Himes, Galena, and Casey Brown, Springfield; three daughters, Teresa Thurlo (Gary) Galena, Sheila Hardesty (Will) Webb City, MO, and Rebecca Curry (Darrell), Carl Junction, MO; 6 grandchildren, Garrett, Briana, Taylor, Alexandra, Macey, and David; and two great-grandchildren, Dakota and Weston. She is also survived by her brothers Glen Watkins, Don Watkins, Billy Leon Watkins, and Stanley Watkins.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 16, 2019 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS. Pastor Jeff D Martin will officiate. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery, Galena, KS.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Friday, November 15, 2019 at Derfelt Funeral Home, Galena, KS.