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CLASS OF 1964 JULY 15, 1946 - SEPTEMBER 6, 2014 Nancy Jean Calvin 68, Paola, passed away at her home on September 6, 2014. Nancy was born July 15, 1946 in Kansas City, MO, the third of four children born to William R. “Bix” Craig and Clelia Margaret Fawks Craig. When Nancy was two, the family moved to Iola and then to Fort Scott, where she first attended school. They moved to Osawatomie during her fourth year of school, and Nancy remained a resident of Osawatomie for the next fifty years. Her family became active members of the United Methodist Church. She met her future husband, William (Bill) Calvin while she was in the eighth grade. In high school, Nancy served as the school newspaper editor, band member, and participated in various other class activities. She was honored as class valedictorian upon graduation in 1964. She and her husband attended Emporia State University. They married in 1966 after their second year of college. Nancy then ended her college education and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital to help support Bill’s graduation. They returned to Osawatomie where Bill was a teacher in the school system. During the early years of marriage, Nancy was a homemaker and mother to their three children and was very active in her church. Over the years, she served as church secretary, choir member, Methodist Women leader and was a Sunday school teacher for nearly 30 years. Nancy served in many community activities including Eastern Star, PEO, Miami County Hospital Auxiliary, PTA, Cub Scouts, and as Osawatomie Alumna Class Secretary. When Nancy and Bill purchased his parent’s business, Calvin Oil and the local Amoco Service Station, she became bookkeeper for the businesses. After she and Bill sold their business and moved to Paola in 2005, Nancy worked part-time at Coach Light Clothing Store. In Paola, they became active members of the First Baptist Church. Nancy was an inspiration to her community, church and friends. She was known to exemplify the best of humanity with her devotion to others, love of service, and self-sacrifice. She gave generously of her time to everyone around her as her only weakness was her inability to refuse anyone needing her support. She volunteered for the relief efforts in Osawatomie after the floods in 2007, and despite losing her own home to a fire in 1987, and through her illness later in life, she never lost her bright smile or compassion for others. She battled cancer with courage and strength for six years while remaining active in Relay for Life to help other cancer victims. She continued to serve and think of others rather than herself. Her devotion to her children and grandchildren earned her their great love and appreciation. Her family and church were her major passions in life, and she fulfilled those passions with great humility and through her confidence in her spiritual beliefs. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Bill Calvin; their three children and their spouses, Jeff and (Marcie) Calvin of Kansas City, MO, Jill and (Brian) Johnson of Spring Hill, KS, Scott and (Melissa) Calvin of Merriam, KS; a foster daughter, Brandi Thomas of Honolulu, HI; and their grandchildren, Addison Martin, Avery Martin, Bailey Calvin, Meredith Calvin, Gabriel Calvin, Corinne Calvin, Mallory Johnson, Lillian Calvin, and Calvin Johnson. Nancy is also survived by her two sisters and one brother and their spouses; Barbara and (Richard) Lewis of Olathe, KS, Sharon and (Larry) Lybarger of Paola, KS, and John and (Pat) Craig of Denver, CO. In addition, she is survived by Bill’s stepmother, Dorothy Calvin of Lawrence, KS. Additional survivors include many nieces, nephews and a host of friends. VISITATION: 6-8PM TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2014 AT THE EDDY-BIRCHARD FUNERAL HOME SERVICES: 10:30AM WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 AT THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PAOLA, 207 E. WEA, PAOLA, KANSAS BURIAL: OSAWATOMIE CEMETERY, OSAWATOMIE, KANSAS MEMORIAL: RELAY FOR LIFE-MIAMI COUNTY, FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PAOLA OR UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF OSAWATOMIE Memorials may be sent in care of: Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home |
