Nancy Alford's Obituary

Nancy Ruth Alford, aged 85, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, in her home in Parkville, MO. She was born on October 12, 1939, to Irving James Lewis and Emma Mae (Mulkins) Lewis in Rockport, IL.

Nancy grew up in Pike County, IL, where she attended Barry High School and later graduated from Western Illinois University. She dedicated more than 25 years of her professional life to the Girl Scouts of America, serving as the Executive Director for several years. She then went on to share her love of cooking and her culinary skills in a couple of restaurants she owned and operated in Detroit, IL, and Clarksville, MO.

Nancy had a passion for reading and was a lifelong learner. She was a volunteer EMT with Pike County Ambulance Service in Barry, IL, served on the Spoon River Library Board of Trustees in Cuba, IL, and was actively involved at the United Methodist Church in Cuba, IL, and was a member of the Platte Woods United Methodist Church in Platte Woods, MO.

Nancy was a trailblazer, living life on her own terms. She divorced her husband in 1980, a bold move especially at the time, that showcased her independence and strength. Nancy was a resilient woman who fought and won battles against late-stage breast cancer and colon cancer. She never shied away from expressing her opinions and was always ready for a good political debate. Known for her strong dislike of a certain larger-than-life political figure, she wasn't afraid to voice her thoughts, even at the polling place. Nancy was also incredibly kind. She often invited people who were alone during the holidays to family get-to-gathers, making everyone feel like part of her family. Nancy instilled the values of kindness, hard work, and the importance of fulfilling commitments in her children and grandchildren.

In retirement, Nancy spent her time playing a very active role in the lives of her grandchildren. She moved close to each set of grandchildren as they were growing up. Grandma Nancy, as she was known by many, was their loudest and proudest fan. She stood ready to take on anyone who didn't have their best interests in mind. Her grandchildren fondly remember her for her spirited comments aimed at slower drivers like "Move it or lose it!”, and "Why would you buy a car without an engine in it?", just to name a few of her more suitable-for-print phrases. She would tell anyone who would listen how proud she was of each of her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving children: Debora Deakin of Cuba, IL; Doug (Chris) Alford of Pleasant Hill, IL; Diane (Marco) Toapanta of Parkville, MO. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Paige Alford of Owatonna, MN; Tiffany Deakin of Cuba, IL; Colin (Alex) Deakin of Cuba, IL; Dante and Andre Toapanta of Parkville, MO; Marco Toapanta Jr. of Kansas City, MO; Mari Toapanta of Raleigh, NC; and Arabella and Beaux Del Toro of Owatonna, MN.

She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Greg Deakin, and her four siblings: Wade Lewis, Mary Bowen, Larry Lewis, and Alma Harshman.

Nancy instructed her family to celebrate her life by having a party, which will be held on July 5, 2025, at 2 PM at the Bighorn Lodge, Co Hwy 11, Pleasant Hill, IL 62366.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Susan G. Komen. 

Nancy loved the quote, "A special friend is hard to find, hard to lose, and impossible to forget." This sentiment perfectly captures the way people feel about her. 

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