Nancy Jane Hardee Schaefer

She was born in Chandler, Texas on August 17th, 1932 to E.B. and Orelia Yarborough Hardee. Nancy was known for her regal style, her great capacity for friendship, her engaging personality, her loyalty, and her sense of humor. She was an adventurous and compassionate person from her early childhood and throughout her life. She graduated early from Chandler High School at age 16, lettering in basketball.

While living in Chandler, she served as a secretary to her grandfather, Charles Yarborough, who was a lawyer, local politician, and the father of Nancy's uncle, U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough. Her parents would not let her attend the University of Texas at such a young age, so Nancy attended Tyler Junior College for two years. While there, Nancy was a lead dancer for the Tyler Apache Bells. Her troupe once opened for Frank Sinatra and performed at the opening of Rice Stadium.

At the University of Texas, Nancy met John, her husband of 57 years on a blind date. John remembers fondly his first sight of Nancy at her residence, Hardin House, immediately recognizing she was far more beautiful than he had imagined. While at UT, Nancy worked at the Texas State Capital. Her interest in local and national politics began early and never abated. Nancy always rose to the challenges she encountered. A good example was overcoming her fear of flying by becoming a pilot.

Nancy was dedicated to her family. She was a kind and loving mother, wife, and she was loyal to her many friends. Nancy was an extremely well read and well travelled person. Among her favorite destinations was Africa, where she enjoyed many safaris with John and her family. Nancy and John were known for opening their home to friends and family, for political functions, Game Conservation International events, and others. She loved her Diamond S ranch and entertaining there. She was passionate about the birds and wildlife on the ranch. Nancy made the world a magical place for those she loved and supported.

Nancy is survived by; her husband John, daughter Susannah and husband James Carroll, daughter Jane and husband Tony Eugenio, her son Sam, brother Brooks Hardee, sister Virginia Breedlove, grandchildren; Catherine Jane Carroll, Victoria Grace Huffines, and John Marco Schaefer Eugenio; and numerous other relatives and good friends, all of whom she loved and cherished.

She was pre-deceased by sisters; Inez Hardee Driscoll, Grace Hardee Presley, and brother Jack Yarborough Hardee.

NANCY'S LIFE WILL BE

CELEBRATED

FRIDAY

DECEMBER 16, 2011

2:00 P.M.

ST. LUKE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

11 ST. LUKE'S LANE

RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

AT THE HOME OF

TONY AND JANE EUGENIO

Officiating The Rev. David G. Read.

Interment will be by private service at the Diamond S Ranch.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 7400 Louis Pasteur, Suite #200, San Antonio, TX 78229, www.alz.org or to the Chandler Public Library in Chandler, Texas, www.chandlertx.com .