Nancy Shay

Laughter, Lake Tahoe, chocolate and chickadees; family, flowers, youth and Yosemite - life's simple pleasures and extraordinary places lit up Nancy Lynne (Stites) Shay's life. Nancy left us on March 30, 2014 after a long illness to join her parents Mavis & George Stites in Heaven. Living each day as it came, this classy lady enjoyed adventures great and small, from working as a young dental assistant in Hawaii to reading a book with her adored grandson, Stanley Wammack. Born October 5, 1941 in Ottumwa, Iowa, Nancy grew up there and in Havana, North Dakota, tagging along with her big brother Douglas whether he liked it or not, making her life-long friend Ianthe Oshima, and sharing candy from her grandfather's store with local Sioux kids. Moving West in the mid 1950s with her family, Nancy graduated from Reseda High in 1959. She made life fun for family and friends whether living in big cities or small towns across California and the West. Nancy married and raised two absolutely mah-velous girls (wink, wink) - Sherry Hazelhurst-Horvath and Jill Hazelhurst. Her cherished niece Karen Eltzroth often joined Nancy and the girls for movie nights, slumber parties, shopping, and trips to amusement parks, beaches, and skiing. Oh how Mom loved to shop! Our "little Gnome mother" shared her bountiful joy, laughs, hugs and food freely with others, making her a favorite Mom to many. Nancy painted pictures of Lake Tahoe's crystal waters, snow-capped peaks and towering pines before ever seeing it in person. Arriving in 1981, she knew it would always be her home. She enjoyed driving trips around the Lake, fishing at Echo, summer backyard barbecues and cozy winters stoking the wood stove while fluffy snowflakes piled high outside. Over 20 years ago, Nancy met a true friend Charles "Tony" Everett who exemplified unconditional love, caregiving and support. Nancy's daughters, grandson, son-in-law Joe Horvath, brother, sister-in-law Linda Stites, niece, dear friend Tony and numerous other friends and family members will remember her spirit, wit and love while missing her dearly. The family will host a private memorial service honoring Nancy in St. George, UT. Condolences may be shared online at www.SereniCareofStGeorge.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dixie Hospice Care of St. George.

Nancy Shay

October 5, 1941 - March 30, 2014