Nancy Sheets

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Nancy Maria Sheets, age 85, passed away March 11, 2026. She was born October 17, 1940 in Athens, Ohio to the late Clarence M. and Maragret Ashworth. She lived there until after graduation from Ohio university where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1962.

Nancy moved to St. Louis, Missouri to work as a speech therapist at The Special District for Handicapped Children. While living in St. Louis, she met her husband, Don Sheets. Don and Nancy were married on July 4, 1965 in Athens, Ohio. In 1968, they moved to Kansas City and Nancy worked as a teacher at the Presbyterian church’s pre-school.

Nancy and Don came to Joplin in 1972 to open Joplin Tour and Travel. They later co-owned The Athletic Center and Travel Planners in Joplin (1982-1994), and Travel Planners in Bella Vista and Bentonville, Arkansas (1990-1996).

Nancy became involved in community and school activities and always maintained an avid interest in travel and different cultures. She credited her aunt Myrta Ashworth (1903-1973) for encouraging her varied interests and for putting her through college. Her favorite times, though, were with family.

Nancy’s survivors include: Gary (Charlene) Sheets of Carthage, Missouri; David Sheets of Springfield, Missouri; and Eric (Stacey) Sheets of Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Her grandchildren are Jenny (Sam) Madsen; Amanda (Lee) Hollars; Stephanie (Casey) Haley; Amanda Leigh (Brandon) Sheets; Michael (Sarah) Sheets; Debora Sheets (granddaughter-in-law); and Alex Sheets. Nine great-grandchildren, Eli, Connor, Kenzie, Kyler, Kelby, Courtney, Daniel, Harper, and Elli.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Don Sheets; her parents and her aunt. Also, by two brothers and three sisters, and grandsons, Zachariah Wayne Sheets and Ethan G. Sheets.

Visitation will be at Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Crematory on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 10:00am. Followed by a graveside service at Mt. Hope Cemetery at 11:00am.

Nancy was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and asks in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the church in care of the mortuary. She was grateful to St. Paul’s for leading her back to an active faith in Jesus Christ.