The Excelsior Standard, Oct. 11, 2024

With sadness, we share that Nancy Lee Matheys, 78, of Excelsior Springs passed away Sept. 17, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Nancy was born July 3, 1946, in Green Bay, Wis., to the late Kenneth and Elaine Neville.

She graduated in 1964 from East High School and went on to receive her master’s degree in education.

She was married to Euguene Matheys for more than 52 years and was the center of the family she built with him.

Nancy had unlimited optimism and found true joy in ordinary things, like a great square of chocolate with her tea in the evening. She impacted countless lives more than 40 years as an elementary school teacher.

In retirement, she enjoyed growing beautiful flowers, passionately cheering on the Green Bay Packers, going to dinner theater productions with friends and doting on her grandchildren. Many people considered Nancy to be their best friend, and she always succeeded in making things special for everyone around her.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Eugene Matheys; daughter, Heidi Matheys, and her children, Annabelle and Ian Matheys; son, Nicholas (Flora) Matheys, and his son, Jace Matheys; sister, Barbara (Thomas) Staszak; and sister-in-law, Joan Quinn, and brother-in-law, Daniel Ankeny.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Elaine Neville; sisters, Jeanne Neville and Mary Lou Neville; and in-laws, Eugene and Arletta Matheys, Patricia Ankeny, Virginia Chizek and Ellen Matheys.

The family extends special thanks to Dr. Dwarak Soundarraj and his staff, whom Nancy trusted and truly enjoyed seeing for routine care for more than 12 years.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 19, at Bross & Spindle Funeral Home at 217 W. Broadway Ave., Excelsior Springs. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., with the service at 11.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Good Samaritan Center in Excelsior Springs in Nancy’s name.

“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. … It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”