Nancy (Nichols) Hanks of Cottage Grove passed away on September 27, 2018. She died unexpectedly after a brief battle with cancer. She was 81.
She was born October 30, 1936 in Stamford, (Jones County) TX to Eugene Modense and Hattie La Verne (McClellan) Nichols. Nancy was raised in White Settlement, TX. She graduated from Brewer High, White Settlement, TX in 1955.
Nancy married Bobby Gene Hanks on September 21, 1956. She was an active member of the Brewer High School Alumni association. She attended many Brewer High School re-unions over the years with her lifelong (~75 years) friend and fellow Brewer High School graduate Nancy Harbaugh of Elkton, OR.
Go Bears! Nancy or better known as “Nanu” for those close to the family was a cook, a waitress, a cashier, a dog groomer and her most cherished profession was a mother, grandmother and great grandmother for over 60 years. Nancy was a military wife and mother that saw her relocate her five kids many times over the years.
Her stops were in Texas, Mississippi, Guam, Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, Alabama and her most beloved and everlasting home in Oregon. She was proud to call Texas her home state. Nancy enjoyed reading, dancing, country music, everything about Texas, camping, playing games with her kids, grandkids and great grandkids over the years, watching Soap Operas and The Westminster Dog Show and had a special place in her heart for her dogs and her grand dogs.
She was always sneaking her dogs and her grand dog’s treats and they were forever grateful. All of her kids and grandkids have fond memories of her as a mother, grandmother and grandbaby and grand dog sitter over the years. As adults we are all grateful for her love and support over the years.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Bobby Hanks of 52 years in 2009 and her parents Eugene and La Verne Nichols. She is survived by her five kids and three brothers. Brothers Ernie Nichols, Bedford, TX; Danny Nichols(Laurie) of Mansfield, TX and Dickie Nichols (Connie) of Colleyville, TX.
Son Nicky Hanks (Wanda) Eugene, OR, the prankster born on her 21st birthday. Daughter Cynthia Babcock, Brooklet, GA, The Southern Belle. Daughter, Ginger Ramey (Chris), Cedar Rapids, IA, The Baker and Mom’s sounding board.
Daughter Donna Smith (Jody), Elkton, OR, The Giver. Daughter Linda Earls, Roseburg, OR, The Youngin. Nancy also has 13 grandkids, 14 great grandkids, numerous nieces and nephews across the country and numerous grand dogs.
A celebration of life for family and close friends will be scheduled later. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to either your local Animal Shelter or to your local Literacy Council. Arrangements in the care of Smith Lund Mills Funeral Chapel, Cottage Grove, OR.
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