Nancy Faye Wantland Nelke

Nancy Faye Wantland Nelke, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, returned to her Heavenly Father on October 15, 2021. She is survived by her husband, Conrad; children Connie (Paco), Chris (Cindy) and Cyndy (Rick); grandchildren Tyler (Brittney), Alyssa, Pablo, Isabelle, and Antonio; great-grandson, Rowen; and many extended family members and friends.

Born in Galena, Kansas, on July 28, 1939, to Clarence and Rachel Wantland, Nancy was always a dedicated scholar, loved music, and was a good friend. She graduated from Kansas State University where she became a member of Kappa Delta Sorority, an organization she was active in throughout her life and she maintained lifelong friends with her sorority sisters. During college, she also met the love of her life, Conrad. They married in May of 1959 and enjoyed 62 years together before her passing. During their marriage, they moved several times for Conrad’s work, but spent most of their married years in Scottsdale. They also built a second home for the family to spend time together in Payson.

Nancy loved learning and ultimately passed on that love by teaching High School English. After being a full-time mother to her young children, she returned to school and earned her MA in English Literature at ASU. She spent some years as a real estate agent, mostly because she loved finding pretty houses for her friends and loved ones, and then returned to teaching English at Gate Way Community College, a position she relished.

Nancy loved to read, write, play bridge, shop, watch movies, brush her cats, and socialize with friends and loved ones. She was always the life of the party until illness kept her from the limelight. Most of all, she loved her family and instilled in her children strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

A funeral mass for Nancy will be held at Saint Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018, on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 beginning at 10:00am followed by a Celebration of Life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Arizona Humane Society or St. Vincent De Paul.