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In memory of

Nancy Lou Burns

Joplin, MO, USA

1943 - September 1, 2020

1943 - Sep 1, 2020

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Nancy Lou Burns, 76, passed away on September 1, 2020, in Joplin, Missouri, after a protracted battle with Alzheimer's disease. She is survived by her two daughters, Cathy (Stephen) Andrle of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Carrie (Dale) Frack of Joplin, Missouri, and Carrie's five children, Casey, Carly, Ethan, Emma, and Seth. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Glen and Gertrude (Mickey) Biggs, as well as her brother, Robert O. Biggs.

Born in San Diego, California, Nancy's family moved frequently in her early years. Her father was a minister and the family lived in several states. Married at 18, she continued with her higher education by taking evening classes over the years, balancing classes with parenting and work. After her divorce, she continued to work full-time and take classes. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from California State University, Northridge, graduating magna cum laude in December 1996. She decided that with education, more is better, so she continued taking courses until she received her Master's degree in Public Administration, with honors in June 2005 at the age of 61.
Nancy worked as a Senior Management Analyst for the City of Moorpark in California. She helped many people obtain affordable housing, and thrived there until she retired.

She was happiest when she was helping others, whether within her church, various charitable pursuits, or volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Nancy had always been a force of nature, and in retirement she was busier than ever. She always had at least one crochet, knit, or sewing project under construction, as she loved making gifts by hand to bestow upon friends and loved ones. Her handmade, exquisitely decorated chocolates and cakes were legendary! Always vivacious, she entertained an ever-increasing circle of friends at holidays. The Beach Boys were her favorite group, and she was the quintessential California Girl. She went on many camping trips, and toured various wine-growing regions of her home state. She enjoyed traveling to Joplin, Missouri, to visit her grandchildren. She referred to it as Frackville, since the Fracks had done their part to increase its population. She never met a milkshake or ice cream product that she didn't love, and she did her best to pass this appreciation on to her grandchildren, who lovingly called her Moomaw. Throughout her life, she had amassed a collection of cow-themed treasures, so her nickname was doubly appropriate.

As Alzheimer's took its inexorable toll on Nancy, it was decided that it would be best for her to leave her beloved condo in Northridge and go to live where Carrie would be able to look after her care. She lived there in Joplin for more than six years, and Carrie was with her at the end.

No services are scheduled.

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