Karen Ann Nance, age 73, of North Platte, died July 14, 2022 at the North Platte Care Center. She was born on August 9, 1948 in Ainsworth, NE to Joseph and Bonnie (Keys) Giles. She joined her sister, Jo Lynn, at the Huffman place near Elsmere. Later, her brother Mike, and sisters, Marcia and Erin, completed the family.
Karen went to grade school at Elsmere, moving to Ainsworth at the beginning of 5th grade, graduating from Ainsworth High School in 1966. She attended Chadron State College for 3 years, then finished her education at Bryan Hospital in Lincoln, graduating in 1970 with her Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology. After graduation, she worked at Lincoln General and Bryan Memorial hospitals. Karen moved to Gothenburg to work at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital where she worked for the next 20 years. She then moved and worked in the North Platte hospital for over 20 years, until her retirement.
Karen married Jerry Nance in Las Vegas, NV in 1977. When she had time off, she traveled with him in his semi truck all over the United States, including New York City. She enjoyed many other travels throughout her life as well, including trips to Hawaii, Prince Edward Island, and Great Britain.
Karen was a member of the First United Methodist Church in North Platte and devoted her time there to many activities, including the Prayer Shawl group.
Karen was an amazing aunt, always buying awesome presents, coming to every birthday celebration, and hosting nieces and nephews each summer at her house. No summer was complete without a trip to the Fort, the swimming pool, Cody Park, the children’s museum, the Mall, the movie theatre, and countless places to eat. Every time the kids returned home, they were full of stories about the marvelous times at Aunt Karen’s.
Karen had many talents, including cooking and baking, and she often shared her treats with others. She enjoyed oil painting and completed many beautiful landscapes. She could crochet and knit absolutely anything, and made hundreds of beautiful sweaters, afghans, baby outfits, etc… over the years. She was amazing at playing games and no one wanted to compete against her. She knew a song for every occasion, a talent that baffled some of her family. She planned sister trips for many years and made sure holidays were special. Most important of all, Karen was a lot of fun! She was always up for whatever anyone wanted to do, and it usually involved a lot of laughing.
She is survived by 3 sisters, Jo McCoy of Ainsworth, Marcia (Rod) Speck of Gothenburg, Erin (Terry) Allen of Ainsworth; nieces and nephews, Roxy Schow and her children, August and Ruby of Paxton, James (Mandy) McCoy of Ainsworth, Scott Speck of Kearney, Adam Speck of Valentine, Nathaniel (Leah) Allen of Lincoln, Lydia Allen of Ainsworth, Benjamin Allen of Wayne, and Gabriel Allen of Ainsworth; uncle and aunt, Ted and Marlea Keys of Elsmere, aunt Ruth Sullivan of Broken Bow and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a brother Mike Giles, her brother-in-law, Roger McCoy; nephew Korey Schow; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Shirlee Nance. Condolences may be left and live recording of the service will be at adamsswanson.com. A memorial has been established in her name.
Services will be 11:00 Tuesday July 19, 2022 at the First United Methodist Church with Rev, Mike Evans officiating and burial will be at Purdum Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 12-5 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.