Nancy T. Nunemaker

Nancy T. Nunemaker, 77, formerly of Sterling, died Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at Allure of Mt. Carroll. She was born November 1, 1946 in Oregon, IL, the daughter of Bradley and Donna (Fulton) Taft.

She attended Illinois State University, where she earned teaching degrees in both Physical Education and Home Economics. While in school, she worked in the dorm cafeteria where she first met Gordon Nunemaker. After their first date bowling, she knew he was the one, and they were engaged within a year. They married on June 22, 1968, and she moved with him to his hometown of Sterling, where they lived together, taught together, and raised two children, until his death July 24, 2000. She often referred to Gordy as the great love of her life, and this was evident to all who knew them.

Nancy was a devoted public educator, enjoying a decades-long career as a classroom teacher and teacher's aide in both the Sterling and Rock Falls school districts. Outside the classroom, she was well-known to both family and friends for her talents as a baker, quilter, and seamstress. However, her talents didn’t stop there. Late in life, she developed a passion for basket-making, scrapbooking, stamping, painting, ceramics, sculpture, and any other creative endeavor she could explore.

Nancy has had many nicknames through the years, including “Nanu” and “Nune,” but her favorite nickname was by far “Nana.” Nana was the most devoted grandmother any grandkids could ever ask for, spoiling her boys not just with treats and toys, but with a love that knew no boundaries. She will be missed immensely by her grandsons Wilson and J.T. Bressler.

She is also survived by her son Jason Nunemaker and daughter-in-law Carla Herling of Des Moines, IA; daughter Emily Nunemaker-Bressler and future son-in-law Joshua Cobert of Mt.Carroll; sisters Linda Bridges of Louisville, KY and Patti Taft of Chicago; nephew Bradley Taft of Dixon; niece Donanda Bridges and great-niece Candace of Louisville, KY.

Visitation will be from 1-4 PM on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Schilling Funeral Home in Sterling, with services following the visitation at 4PM. Cremation rites will be accorded and a private burial will be at a later date.

A memorial has been established in Nancy’s name for a scholarship at Rock Falls High School geared toward special education students wanting to further their education.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com