Nancy O'Neill

A stranger to none and a friend to all, Nancy O’Neill was personable, talkative, and outgoing. She was a free spirit with an adventurous soul who wasn’t afraid to do things on her own terms without worrying about what others thought. Nancy enjoyed many things throughout her life, but nothing filled her heart with joy like becoming a grandmother to the grandchildren she adored. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, she brought laughter and love to so many who were near.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of the nation were focused overseas as countless young servicemen and women were engaged in WWII. Rationing became a way of life for those who remained stateside while victory gardens were planted to lessen the demand on the nation’s food supply. It was just as the calendar turned to greet the year 1942 that a young couple from Lawton, Michigan, was excited to announce the birth of their daughter, Nancy Kay, on January 1st. She was the oldest of five children and the oldest girl born to her parents, LaVern and LuLu (Quick) Beebe, and she was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Floyd, Dutch, Roy and Connie.

For the most part Nancy’s upbringing was a reflection of her generation. Her father worked at a local paper mill while her mother worked at the Kalamazoo Gazette. Nancy attended local schools through the eighth grade. Over the years Nancy worked hard including as a field worker in the Van Buren area and also as a worker in many different factories.

Throughout her life there was nothing that was more important to Nancy than the people she cherished. She was blessed with the births of three sons, Ricky, Roger, and Johnny, and three daughters, Cindy, Louann, and Nancy. Much of her life’s journey was shared with her longtime companion, Carlos, as they had been together for the past 31 years of Nancy’s life. It was later in life that she was filled with unspeakable joy to witness her family tree blossom to include eight grandchildren including Angela, Angel, Amanda, Brad, Bravlio, Tashanna, Roger Lee and Casey. Nancy was very close to all her grandchildren, and she looked forward to spending time with them as often as she could. She was also an important part of their lives. Eventually, her family grew to include 11 great-grandchildren as well. Nancy loved the holidays, and at Christmas time she always had something special for every family member. Sundays often found Nancy gathered with her family for a cookout dinner either at a local park or at a family member’s home.

A woman of many interests, Nancy enjoyed a variety of things in her leisure time. She and Carlos loved eating out and were known to watch NASCAR at a local bar. Although Nancy never drank, while there she was able to satiate her love for being social, eating a good meal, and cheering on her favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. She did enjoy cooking at home, too, with potato salads, soups, and beans being among her specialties. Nancy was proud that her heritage was part Native American, and she collected various pieces and collectables that were part of the Native American culture. She was a meticulous housekeeper who had a house full of plants to care for, and when at home Nancy also kept busy with crossword puzzles and playing solitaire. She and Carlos did enjoy vacationing in Texas a few different times.

As a result of smoking throughout the majority of her life, Nancy dealt with various health issues regarding her lungs. She also suffered with COPD for several years, but about one year ago she was able to successfully quit smoking - quite an accomplishment! Nancy was a Baptist, but because of her chronic cough she had a hard time attending services, especially during recent years.

With her bubbly and jovial personality, Nancy O’Neill was so much fun to be around. She had a great sense of humor with a contagious laughter that drew others near with ease. Nancy could talk to anyone and everyone and was known to tease and joke around. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Nancy Kay O’Neill, of Hartford, died on March 31, 2014. Nancy’s family includes her lifelong companion, Carlos; 3 children: Cindy (Howard) O’Neill, Louann (Ron) Underly, and Nancy O’Neill; grandchildren: Angela (Joe), Angel (Jeremy), Amanda (Danny), Brad (Misty) Braulio, Tashanna, and Casey (Adrianna); great-grandchildren: Brean, Mariah, Tone, Tonia, Chas, Skyler, Brendon, Jackie, Diamond, Jo Jo, and Colton; 3 brothers: Floyd (Thelma), Dutch and Roy (Marie) Beebe; and many nieces and nephews. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; 3 children: Ricky Beebe, Roger O’Neill, and Johnny Mitchell; and sister, Connie. Services will be held Thursday 11 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson-Paw Paw, 60900 M-40; 657-3870 with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton. Please visit Nancy’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans.