The Prophetstown Echo – July 11, 2006

Nancy M. Church

            Nancy M. Church, 66, of Barstow, IL died Saturday, July 1, 2006 at her home surrounded by her family.  Services were held Thursday, July 6, 2006 at the Gibson & Son Funeral Home, Prophetstown.  Burial followed in Sharon Cemetery, rural Erie, IL.  Following the burial, the celebration of her life continued for all family and friends at the Barstow Fire Department.  A memorial fund has been established for EMT and Nursing education.

            Nancy was born May 7, 1940 in Rutland, IL the daughter of Francis and Lila (Redell) Stone.  She was a graduate of Prophetstown High School and Black Hawk College, Moline.  She married M.L. Church in 1959.  They divorced in 1979.

            She had worked at Purina Foods, Clinton, IA, and Volckmann’s Furniture, Morrison  where she was a union steward.  At the age of 54, she received her Registered Nursing Degree.  She then worked for Trinity Hospital, A Plus, and Gentiva all in the Quad Cities.  Nancy then worked for Trinity Home Health Care where she specialized in in-home pediatrics.

            She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Fenton, IL, the Red Hat Society, and past Eastern Star member.

            She served the Barstow Fire Department in many ways.  She was an EMT, Volunteer Firefighter, member of its ladies auxiliary and treasurer of the Barstow Fireman’s Association.  She also taught EMT and First Responder courses for area fire departments.

            Her hobbies included gardening, crocheting, sewing and golfing.

            Nancy is survived by daughters and son-in-law, Sandy and Jim Gerrard, Spring Valley, MN, Kim and Tom Dolieslager, Erie, IL, sons Tim Church, East St. Louis, Randy Church, Erie, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, sisters and spouses, Mary Ann and Marion Duuck, Clinton, IA, Lucy and Gene Ryan, Morrison, IL, Frannie and Carlyle Oleson, Hooppole, IL, brothers and spouses, Larry and Barb Stone and Frank and Kathy Stone, Lyndon, IL.

            She was preceded by her parents and a sister, Judy.

RELATED LINKS: Photo of Sharon Cemetery Entrance