Nancy Ann (Anderson) Lawler

Nancy Lawler passed away peacefully on December 15th, after a long illness. She was living in Columbia, Missouri with her husband of 65 years, Don Lawler. Her daughter Ann was able to spend time with her; reading to her, sharing prayers, and playing Christmas carols, before she gently slipped away in her sleep.

Nancy Ann Anderson was born on May 17, 1933, in Springfield, Missouri, to Berniece and Dutch Anderson. She graduated from Springfield High School, and then went to dental hygiene school at the University of Minnesota, where she met her future husband, Don Lawler. They married in 1955 and eventually made their home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Nancy and Don moved to Columbia, Missouri in 2017 to be near family members.

Nancy loved sunflowers and they epitomized her approach to life. She always had a smile, saw the best in situations, and was kind and gracious to the end. The staff who cared for her loved Miss Nancy, as she was affectionately called. Nancy was our sunshine, and she will be missed by many.

Nancy loved to sew and became very active as a volunteer for Cheyenne Frontier Days, sewing authentic costumes for parade participants as well as the Old West Museum. She also volunteered for the Hospital Foundation and Auxiliary, working at the hospital information desk and the gift shop for many years. She was active in Republican Women, and worked as a precinct chair. She enjoyed tennis, bible study groups, reading, and cultural events.

Nancy’s greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. She had photos of her extended family displayed everywhere, and never missed a birthday or graduation. Her descendants include her three children, Ann (Brad) Russell of Columbia, Missouri, Margie Gerrity of Bellevue, Washington, and Jim (Katie) Lawler of Anchorage, Alaska; her ten grandchildren, Susanna (Joe) Hungerford, Mary Russell, Cate (Ben) Gerrity, Andrew (Jessica) Russell, Connor Gerrity, Timothy Russell, Molly Gerrity, Ruth (Matt) Collier, Eliza Lawler, and Max Lawler; as well as five great grandchildren: Paxton, Olin, Coraline, and Charlotte Hungerford, and Thea Russell.  Nancy is also survived by her three siblings; David Anderson of Springfield, MO, Gerry (Lois) Anderson of Lee’s Summit, MO and Sally Anderson of Branson, MO.

Private family services will be held in January.  Nancy will be buried at the historic Columbia Cemetery in Columbia, Missouri.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cheyenne Frontier Days Old West Museum or to the national Alzheimer’s Association, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202.

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