Nancy Kay Collins, 73

 Nancy Kay (Evans) Collins was born on October 14, 1949; she was the fourth of six children born to John and Eunice (Swanson) Evans.  Nancy had five brothers: John, Frank, Jerry, Richard and Steven.  Nancy was baptized and confirmed at the United Lutheran Church in Shelby, Iowa.  She attended and graduated from Shelby-Tennant Community School with the Class of 1968.  Nancy married Ken Collins on May 9, 1970 at the United Lutheran Church in Shelby.  Their marriage was blessed with two children: Gary and Stephanie.
 The summer she graduated in 1968, Nancy moved to Kansas City to complete a six-month business course.  While completing her training, she lived and served as a nanny for the Hunt Family.  After Ken returned in 1972 from serving in the U.S. Navy, they began farming northeast of Persia.  The couple moved northwest of Shelby to the farm they purchased in 1975.  Their farm was named Fort Collins and held a special place in her heart.
 In 1982, Nancy began her 30-year employment serving as Business Manager/Board Secretary for the Shelby-Tennant School and later served the re-organized AHST Community School District.
  While working full-time and raising a family, she became a student in 1984, and for seven years attended classes evenings and weekends to receive her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Buena Vista University.  Her determination and love for learning left a lasting impression with her children.  Nancy was proud of her family’s education and professional accomplishments.
 After her retirement from the school, Nancy worked part-time selling insurance for the C.I.A (Collins Insurance Agency).  She loved visiting and working with people and learning the trade from her mentor, Darlene Eggerss.
 In 1972, the Shelby American Legion asked Nancy if she would begin a softball program for Shelby’s elementary girls.  She loved the sport and became one of the founding coaches of the SWIGSL (Southwest Iowa Girls Softball League).  Nancy always had a love for coaching and coached youth softball, high school track, jr. high volleyball and basketball, and even served as a junior high assistant wrestling coach for two years.  Nancy loved working with kids and led by example and influenced many youth throughout the years.
 She was a great organizer and leader.  For many years, Nancy used her talents for writing and presenting programs for others to enjoy and learn from.  She served as a Teammates mentor and board member, served on the AHSTW Educational Foundation Board and loved her years as Cat in the Hat.  Nancy was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca and willingly volunteered her time.  For several years she used her talent and wrote and co-directed the Sunday School Christmas Program and served as a co-chairperson for Trinity’s Annual Aebleskiver Supper.
  She enjoyed doing projects on their Fort Collins Farm; tending her fishpond and spending time on the mower reflecting on the life she loved.  Ken and Nancy enjoyed their travels throughout the United States and accomplished many adventures on their “Bucket List”.  For several winters they made their annual trip to Cancun, Mexico, to enjoy the warm climate and their winter friends from all over the U.S.A.
 Nancy’s most precious earthly possessions were her husband, children and grandkids.  She loved to support her children and grandkids in their activities.  Nancy loved to provide a comfortable home where her children and grandchildren would gather for good food and good times.  She was a great cook and often presented her children “Labors of Love” of hot meals and completing tasks around their homes and yards.  She loved participating in and following sports, especially when her family was involved.  Nancy loved the state of Iowa and where she called home and conveyed this love of Iowa by giving to programs and groups.  Nancy was funny, had a witty sense of humor, loved people and lived life with joy.
  She always believed “It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.”  With no regrets, Nancy left us peacefully.
 On Sunday, October 16, 2022, Nancy went home to be with her Lord peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family, attaining the age of 73 years and 2 days.  She was preceded in death by her mother and father, John and Eunice Evans and her brother Frank.
 Those left to cherish her memory are her husband Ken Collins of 52 years of Shelby, Iowa; son Gary (Kate) Collins of Shelby, Iowa; daughter Stephanie (Adam) Harder of Avoca, Iowa; 5 grandchildren: Eli and Jake Collins; Collin, Evan and Hudson Harder; brothers John, Jerry, Richard and Steven; other family members and many friends.
  A 10:30 AM funeral service was held on Friday, October 21, 2022 at AHSTW High School Gym with Pastor Matt Bahnfleth officiating.  A luncheon was held following the service in the AHSTW Elem Gym.
Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca was in charge of arrangements.