It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Nancy Tankersley, who peacefully departed this life on June 4, 2026, at the age of 90.
Nancy was born on February 23, 1936, in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania. In 1952, she moved to the Midwest City area of Oklahoma to live with her aunt and uncle. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bob Tankersley. Bob and Nancy were married on January 23, 1953, and began a lifelong journey together.
In 1959, Bob and Nancy, along with their two young sons, Robert and Dennis, and other family members, relocated to Washington State. In the years that followed, they welcomed two more children, Jon and Patricia, completing their family. They raised their children in Auburn, Washington, and after retirement moved to Sequim in 1993, where they enjoyed many happy years together.
Nancy lived a remarkable 90 years, filling the lives of those around her with love, laughter, wisdom, and unwavering kindness. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity, curiosity, and a family forever grateful to have called her theirs.
Nancy and her beloved husband shared a passion for adventure, creating treasured memories as they traveled together. They especially cherished their trips to Alaska, driving the Alcan Highway and taking in the breathtaking beauty along the way. Some of their most treasured journeys, however, were the drives back to Missouri and Pennsylvania, where every mile brought the opportunity to spend precious time with family and lifelong friends. Closer to home, Nancy found joy in the simple beauty of everyday life. Her daily walks from their home in Sequim brought her peace as she admired the lighthouse, watched eagles soar overhead, and faithfully fed the birds she loved so much. Countless cherished family memories were also made in La Push, where gatherings were filled with laughter, love, and togetherness.
Nancy had gifted hands and a generous heart. She lovingly knitted and crocheted hats for her family, each stitch a reminder of the warmth and care she gave so freely. An avid reader with endless curiosity, she had a remarkable knowledge of history and the world. If anyone needed an answer to a historical question or a random worldly fact, Nancy was always the first phone call. Somehow, she always seemed to know.
Her outlook on life was one of gratitude and contentment. She truly believed she had more than she needed and lived each day with a contagious positivity that inspired everyone around her. The door to Nancy’s home was always open, the coffee was always on, and there was always time for a conversation, encouragement, or a listening ear. She welcomed everyone with a bright smile, a big hug, and a heart that made you feel instantly at home.
Many will fondly remember Nancy’s quick wit, perfectly timed one-liners, her famous deep-dish apple pies, her love of the color purple, and the joy that lit up her face whenever family or friends walked through the door.
While our hearts ache in her absence, we find comfort in knowing that her love, wisdom, and gentle spirit will live on through the generations she touched. We are endlessly thankful for the memories she gave us, the lessons she taught us, and the unconditional love she shared so freely.
Nancy will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished as a mother to everyone.
Nancy was preceded in death by her sister, Ethel Bennett Shipman of Pennsylvania and foster daughter, Rebecca Rose.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Bob Tankersley, with whom she shared 73 years of marriage; her sons, Robert Tankersley, Dennis Tankersley, and Jon Tankersley (Judy); her daughter, Patricia Brown (Randy); and her foster son, Ron Harris (Lori). She is also survived by her siblings; Norma Luketic of Smithfield; Edna Bender and Rosemary (Buzz) Loring, both of Waynesburg; Leslie ‘Bud’ (Helen) Phillips and Ruth Reed, both of West Virginia; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Kelsey, Shelby, Morgan, Ashley, Bryan, Kaylee, Jessica, Ashley, and Cody; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Harper, Caden, Casey, and Clayton.
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