Nancy L. Dailey

Nancy L. Dailey, 87, of Frisco, Texas, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023. She was born on February 5, 1936, in Gustavus, Ohio, to the late Charles & Gladys (Brainard) Bradford. Nancy grew up on a farm in northeast Ohio and, from a young age, was fierce, strong, and full of fire. She was a rebel in her day and even got kicked out of school for refusing to wear skirts and dresses. Following high school, Nancy completed nursing school. At the age of 21, Nancy escaped small town living to start her life’s adventure as she loaded her car and drove to California to join the United States Air Force, where she served five years as a nurse. It was there she met her future husband, Keith Dailey, while treating him in the clinic. They married in 1960 and started a family. Keith’s Air Force career moved them around the country, from California to Florida, then to D.C., New Mexico, and eventually settling down on a gentleman’s farm in Missouri. Nancy continued her nursing career, as it was her passion to provide exceptional, dignified care to others. She was the Director of Nursing at a nursing home, and eventually became a consultant for the State of Missouri. Nancy also spent time training nurses’ aides, teaching them the importance of providing a high level of care for others.

Nancy had a love for life itself. She had a fire in her soul and grace in her heart, feisty and compassionate all at once. She enjoyed the simple things in life, like being outside. Nancy loved to watch the birds and wildlife and had an appreciation for plants. She valued her faith and was a member for many years at Frisco Church in Webb City, Missouri. Nancy’s greatest joy in life was her family. Simply being with them made her the happiest. She relished every opportunity to help them and do for them. Nancy made all her kids’ clothes and started traditions like Christmas cinnamon rolls that will continue for years to come. Whatever activities her kids or grandkids were involved in, Nancy was first in line to sign up to help – even recently she was helping her daughter with fostering dogs, and although she wasn’t much of a dog lover she merely wanted to be together. Nancy was known as “Mimi” not only to her family, but to everyone as they were drawn to her charismatic, helping heart. She will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her, while her legacy of love and strength lives on through her family.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Dailey; daughter, Deb Washburn; and great-granddaughter, Jordan. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Robin & Ron Ihle of Frisco, Texas; grandchildren, Niki Schertz of Frisco, Texas, Brandon (Courtney) Ihle of Dallas, Texas, Blake (Yvette) Abbott of Dallas, Texas, Abby (Jeffrey) Terry of Oronogo, Missouri, Krista Ihle of Austin, Texas, Samantha Washburn of Joplin, Missouri, and Karli Washburn of Frisco, Texas; great-grandchildren, Daniel, Rebecca, Macy, and Wyatt; brothers, Alan (Diane) Bradford of Gustavus, Ohio and Leroy (Jackie) Bradford of Kinsman Ohio; and sisters, Janice Bradford of Oronogo, Missouri and Toni (Andy) Sarcinella of Peyton, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dallas DogRRR at dallasdog.org.