On Sunday, December 4, 2022, the world lost an amazing wife, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister, and friend. Nancy Shambaugh passed into the night surrounded by people who love her.
She was born June 3, 1955, to Delbert and Katie McMullen, at Morrison Community Hospital, in Morrison, IL, the fourth of five children. She grew up on the north side of town, attending Northside School, and then Morrison Junior High. After attending high school, she eventually followed in her mother’s footsteps and started working at General Electric in Morrison.
In 1976, Nancy reluctantly accepted an invitation to watch the sunrise by Lock and Dam 13, and began the next chapter in her life. On July 21, 1979, Nancy married Bob Shambaugh on the front porch of their old farm house, where their dog, Gamma, was a witness. They shared love and laughter with friends and family. Nancy always worked hard and left time for those who she loved. Many nieces’ and nephews’ earliest memories were spent with Nancy and Bob, broke bread at their table, and celebrated holidays in their home. Nancy was there to support friends and family in whatever way she could.
The year 1983 brought new beginnings for the young Shambaugh family. Bob and Nancy moved into the house we all know and love and started their family. Ruthann was born later that year, and three years later John followed. Nancy was a dedicated and loving mother. She camped with Girl Scouts, even though she hated camping, and she hosted heavy metal band practices, even though she preferred the classics. No matter who was around, Nancy always made them feel special and loved. She was everyone’s mom, aunt, or sister. Just when everyone thought Nancy’s heart could not get any bigger, she became a grandma.
John blessed Nancy and Bob with their first grandchild, Caitlyn, in 2005. A few years later, Ruthann added four more grandchildren, Anthony, Daniel, Emanuel, and Natali. Nancy always went above and beyond for her grandkids, loving them all more than they will ever know. She has gone to music programs, Halloween parades, horseback riding competitions, and football games from Des Moines, IA, to Chicago, IL. Nancy was not only a grandma to her own grandkids, but to any little one who needed a grandma’s love.
After over thirty years of hard work and dedication, Nancy retired from General Electric and helped the factory close its doors in 2010. Even though Nancy retired, she did not quit working. She was always there as a back-up babysitter for sick grandkids, or to sit with a sick family member.
Grandma, mom, and wife were not all Nancy was good at, though. She was also an amazing friend and travel companion. Nancy was always there to offer words of kindness, a helping hand, or a delicious meal. She went on trips with new friends, old friends, family, and sometimes just Bob. She loved spending her winters in Arizona, with family, or Florida, with friends. Nancy also loved her girls’ trips to Myrtle Beach, SC. Her smile was warm, her laugh was infectious, and everyone who knew her is a better person because of her.
Visitation will be on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at the Dunlap Masonic Lodge in Morrison, IL, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life Party to follow. Dress of the day is casual.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Morrison Day Care.