Nancy Kays Lovelace

AKA- Fancy Nancy, she loved everything sparkly.

With heavy hearts, we honor the life and legacy of Nancy Kays Lovelace, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend.

Nancy was born on June 4, 1943, in Independence, Missouri. Raised by her loving parents, Frank and Frances Kays, alongside her sister Carole, she grew up in a home rooted in faith. Her father, an ordained Primitive Baptist country preacher, instilled in his daughters the values of service, compassion, and devotion. Weekends were spent traveling to country churches, singing gospel hymns, and helping those in need—building the foundation of Nancy’s lifelong faith in God.

Nancy was an accomplished pianist, winning numerous competitions, including her first National Piano Competition in 1952. In 1958, she and her parents moved to Arizona, where she pursued studies in pre-med and Spanish.

In 1960, she married Dave Lovelace, and together they had three children: Kim, Matthew, and Mark. As a mother, Nancy dedicated herself to raising her children while balancing work, volunteerism, and a multitude of passions. Her unwavering determination led her to remarkable achievements, including:

Co-founding Phoenix’s first domestic violence shelter, Villa de Fidelis (Faith House), in 1973, where she volunteered for 10 years, offering hope to countless women.

Co-founding Little Candle Community for Adolescents in 1977, providing a safe haven for abused teenage girls.

Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business in 1989 at the age of 46, proving her resilience and commitment to lifelong learning.

Volunteering for hospice care for five years, showing her deep compassion for those in need.

Completed Parent Effectiveness training and co-authored a grant proposal to Arizona Recovery Centers Association (1979) for the shelter, setting up a structured treatment program.

Nancy’s professional journey was just as inspiring, working for Jackes-Evans Manufacturing (1963) making rifles in their war factory, sold World Book Encyclopedias (1965), General Electric Medical Systems Group (1975-1998), Motorola (1966-1970), and even assembling radar systems for the Vietnam War effort. She also gave back as a Girl Scout Leader (1970-1974), Official Little League Scorekeeper (1971-1977), worked in the Maricopa County Juvenile Court (1971-1973) and Pop Warner volunteer (1972-1977), always putting others before herself.

Despite life’s challenges, including raising her three children as a single mother after Dave, a St. Louis police officer, was shot in the line of duty in 1966, Nancy’s strength never wavered.

Nancy was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, each of whom she loved dearly. She is survived by her children Kim, Matt, and Mark, her grandchildren Nykole, Chase, Nickolas, Zachary, Katelyn, Tristan, Valerie, Emma, and Jordan, and her great-grandchildren Jayde, Leilani, Kalirae, and Nova. She is preceded in death by her grandchildren Michael and Dustin, as well as her parents and sister, Carole.

Nancy’s love for her family was endless, and her faith remained unshaken. She also had a deep admiration for Arizona’s Native American culture, especially the Navajo Nation, which was reflected in her home and heart. In her honor, the family asks that donations be made to Alice’s Place, a cause close to her heart. Alices Place is located on the Navajo Nation in Winslow Arizona.

Nancy’s life was one of love, faith, and service. Though we will miss her dearly, her spirit and legacy will live on in the lives she touched.

A funeral service will be held at West Resthaven Funeral Home, located at 6450 West Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, on March 22, 2025, at 12:00 pm, with the graveside service to occur at 1 pm at Resthaven Park Cemetery.

A reception will follow, featuring Mexican food, Nancy’s favorite. Details TBD.

Our mom did not like the color Black or Gray. She loved Sedona and the Arizona Desert Sunsets. Please wear Arizona Sunset colors!

Nancy’s kindness, resilience, and unwavering love will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Mom—you were truly one of a kind.