This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Nancy Schirmer, 83, born on September 19, 1932 and passed away on May 29, 2016. We will remember her forever as a devoted wife, mother, sister, teacher and friend with an inner strength and light that amazed us all.
Memorial service will be held at Evangel United Methodist Church at 10 am on June 11, 2016 at 227 Pennsylvania Ave, Holton, KS, 66436. Burial will follow at Holton Cemetery at 11999 Highway K16, Holton, KS.
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The teacher,
Nancy & Center continued
I forgot to mention that I recounted my story to my brother Pat, and he commented that she walked 2 1/2 miles from the Straight Creek bridge in the morning to Center and then returned the same distance in the afternoon. What a trooper!
Nancy & Center
I was sorry to learn of Nancy's passing. She enjoyed a wonderful life filled with many adventures. It left me breathless just reading her story!
My story is a real stretch, but it has always meant a lot to me, so I'll share it. I was in the 1st grade at Rose Hill School, and Nancy was teaching at Center School--two miles to the west. In those days most of the rural roads were dirt/mud. On muddy days Harry dropped Nancy off in the morning at the Straight Creek bridge, and Nancy walked to Center. As noted, I was at Rose Hill. As I walked in the afternoon home from school one mile west and a half-mile south to our farm, I would on occasion encounter Nancy who was walking east from Center and then south to the bridge where Harry picked her up. We walked together for a half-mile to the farm; Nancy continued south to the bridge.
I have no idea what we talked about--probably school! I loved school and she was a teacher. So she had to be a good person! Indeed she went on to be an excellent teacher.
I don't know how many times our chance encounters occurred. However, they remain among my earliest and favorite memories. It was a simple thing: a little boy and a novice teacher walking and talking together on a mud road in Kansas many years ago. It's true that the simple pleasures in life are often the most meaningful.
I should also note that I think often of Harry & Jetta. They were such good people, and I have fond memories of both. My parents Ralph & Gladys Ireland also admired them. My father commented that Jetta was so intelligent that it was a shame she was stuck on a farm in the country. The fact that she was a staunch Democrat was a definite plus!
My sympathy to all. How fortunate we are that Nancy passed our way.