Nancy Jean Roberts

Nancy Roberts lived a life defined less by titles than by connection. She built trust easily, held strong opinions unapologetically, and showed up fully and faithfully for the people and causes she cared about. Her sudden passing leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her influence remains woven into the lives of her family, friends, students, and community.

Nancy Jean (Morris) Roberts died on December 12 following a sudden accident at home. Born in September 1943, her 82 years included 57 years of marriage to her husband, Mike; decades spent teaching and mentoring students in the EVSC, UofE, and USI; deep and lifelong ties to the University of Evansville’s Zeta Tau Alpha chapter; and countless moments that made her the center of gravity in her family and every group lucky enough to claim her. Those who knew Nancy knew her strength, her sharp intellect, her capacity for joy, and her willingness to speak her mind.

A lifelong Evansville resident, Nancy loved her hometown but also enjoyed exploring the world beyond Indiana. Alongside Mike and their daughters, Stephanie and Jennifer, she traveled widely and embraced new experiences with enthusiasm and curiosity. She valued learning, advocacy, and meaningful work, and she did not shy away from controversy or difficult conversations. Even in her final moments, Nancy remained focused on what mattered most to her.

Above all, Nancy was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Nell Morris; her first husband, Harry Ransdell; her daughter, Stephanie Roberts; and other cherished family members and dear friends. She is survived by her husband, Michael Roberts; her daughter, Jennifer Roberts; sons-in-law Chris Smearing and Sean Senff; grandchildren Kassie Senff, Seana (Senff) Stilwell, and Sean W. Senff II; several great-grandchildren; and her siblings Pam (Robert) Blessing and Walt (Marsha) Morris.

Her family feels her absence deeply. Monthly family dinners will never be the same without her signature dishes, quick wit, strong opinions, and vibrant presence at the table.

Nancy gave her time and energy generously. She was deeply engaged in political advocacy, a committed supporter of breast cancer research, a fierce champion of public education and teachers, and a dedicated leader within Zeta Tau Alpha. She paid close attention to her neighborhood and her community, often raising awareness and encouraging action. If something needed doing, Nancy rarely waited for someone else to step forward. She did it herself.

Her professional life reflected her belief in education as a tool for empowerment. Nancy worked for many years in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, teaching in several schools until her retirement in 1999. She also served as an adjunct instructor at the University of Southern Indiana, teaching core courses in teacher education and supervising student teachers in local classrooms.

Nancy was a lifelong learner, and that legacy lives on in her daughters, her grandchildren, and the many students whose lives she shaped over the years. After retiring from full-time teaching, she continued working and learning, whether at Kitchen Affairs, as a Census taker, or most meaningfully as Mike’s primary caregiver following his dementia diagnosis in 2017. She was determined that he remain at home, cared for with dignity and love, a responsibility their daughter Jennifer now carries forward.

Nancy will also be remembered for the small, unmistakably her things: her devotion to her dog, Layla; her unwavering loyalty to Diet Coke; her love of turquoise; and her fierce commitment to holiday traditions. These everyday details, so ordinary and so uniquely Nancy, are the ones her family and friends will carry with them, alongside her example of engagement, advocacy, and love.

Nancy did not want a funeral or church service. She was adamant that we have a party instead, and that is just what she will get! Her family invites friends and loved ones to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 10th, from 3-4:30 pm at the USI Griffin Center on the University of Southern Indiana campus. A short visitation with the family will be held that same day from 2-3 pm at the same location for those who cannot attend the celebration. To honor Nancy, we ask that you come ready to share your best memories of her, dress in Zeta turquoise or your favorite bright color, and join us in honoring her life through story, food, drink, and fun.

To honor Nancy’s legacy of education and action, please consider donating in her honor to one of the following causes.

● The American Civil Liberties Union (www.aclu.org/)

● The Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation (zetataualpha.org/foundation/give)

Those who knew her will carry Nancy forward in their convictions, their laughter, and their willingness to step up when it matters.