Nancy L Odyja

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Nancy Lee (Hanney) Odyja our loving and devoted Mother, Grandmother, GG ma, Friends, and to all whose lives she touched. She passed away October 9, 2022 peacefully in her home surrounded by her family. She was in her 91st year of life.

Born in Port Huron, Michigan on June 23, 1931 to Walter and Velma Hanney. Nancy and her Family returned to Hiawatha Ks where she resided until 13 when she moved to Kansas City. Nancy graduated from Northeast High School in 1948 and worked at the Kansas City public library as a clerk. In 1951 Nancy accepted an opportunity to travel across the country to Washington D.C. accepting a position as a Clerk Typist at the Pentagon. She returned to Kansas City, and worked as an Underwriter for Associated Mutuals.

While attending the University of Missouri she met William Higton. They were married May 16, 1953. Nancy gave birth to 2 daughters Cheryl Kay, born in 1958 and Karen Sue, born in 1961. During that time she continued her education. In 1963 she received her Bachelor of Arts, at Northeastern Illinois’s State College, formally, Chicago Teachers College. She taught in Chicago, later returning to Kansas City after her divorce, and began working for McCoy Elementary later transferring to Greenwood Elementary retiring in 1993 after 31 years of service as a Teacher.

Nancy was a woman ahead of her time in regards to diversity and sought out education and opportunities to integrate cultures. She was extremely generous, and for the underdog, and would quietly help others in need without hesitation. She had a passion for the Arts and acting in theater which started in in high school. As an adult she participated in City and Encore Theater even sewing her own costumes. Aside keeping busy with theater, she also volunteered her time giving tours at the Vaile Mansion as well as working part time for Weight Watchers. She adored all animals and wildlife especially her Yorkie’s. Nancy was a woman of God, and would attend the Baptist church throughout life even taking her grandchildren to Sunday school most Sunday mornings.

Most of all she loved her family and friends and instilled good values in her children, and grandchildren that has served them well. She looked forward to her weekly visits at the Beauty Parlor and lunches and dinners out with her family and friends and would usually request her favorite restaurants such as V’s and Red Lobster. She has left this world with a legacy full many memories, accomplishments, traditions, values, and unconditional love.

She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

She leaves behind her Daughters Cheryl Collins and son in law William of Kansas City, Karen Ray of Blue Springs. 5 grandchildren. Amanda Meadows (Jesse) of Blue Springs, Amy Collins-Gutierrez (Angie) of Blue Springs, Andrea Ray of Blue Springs, Christopher Collins (Katy) of Miriam, KS, and Jesse Collins (Danielle) of Lee’s Summit. And 13 great grandchildren. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Velma Hanney, Her Baby boy Jeffrey Alan, her husband’s Alfonse Odyja, Ray Bartley, and William Thacker, and her brother Robert Hanney.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held on October 20th Visitation 10:30-11:30 McGilley Sheil Funeral Home 11924 East 47th Street

Kansas City, MO 64133

Burial following: Mount Olivet Cemetery

Online condolences may be expressed through www.legacy.com