Nancy Ruth Owen-Herring

Nancy Ruth Owen-Herring, 92, was born May 12, 1934, in Midland, and died June 14, 2026. She lived in Glendale, Arizona, and left behind a legacy that sounded like music, looked like creativity in motion, and felt—above all—like kindness with its sleeves rolled up. If you needed help, a warm welcome, or a perfectly timed laugh, Nancy had a way of making room for you, often while doing three other things at once.

Born in Midland, South Dakota, to Chuck and Martha Munn, Nancy was the middle child between her older sister Joyce and younger sister Anne. In 1943, she moved to Glendale, California, where she finished grade school and high school—already becoming the kind of person who could make a new place feel like home, and make other people feel like they belonged there, too. She later earned a degree in Music Education from Grand Canyon College. She completed student her teaching at West High working with their choirs, and—because one degree simply wasn’t going to contain her—went back for her Masters Degree.

Nancy’s professional life was marked by dedication and talent that never needed fanfare, though it certainly earned it. After student teaching and completing her master’s work, she taught at Alhambra, South Mountain, and Trevor G. Browne High Schools. She was awarded Teacher of the Year for the 1995–1996 school year, an honor that fit her perfectly: she brought out the best in people, and she did it with heart. She also taught swimming and lifesaving for many years at Nelson's Pool, and during summer breaks from teaching served as Director of Water Safety at the American Red Cross—proof that her care for others wasn’t limited to the classroom or the choir room.

Nancy became a mother first, welcoming her daughter Robin in 1953. In 1954, she moved to Augusta, Georgia, with her first husband, John Owen, where she was a military wife and had her second child David in 1956. The family moved to phoenix in 1958, and two more children followed: John in 1959 and Martha in 1960. In 1980, while working at the American Red Cross, she met her second husband, Art Herring. They married on July 19th, 2002, at First Methodist Church in Glendale, AZ.

Nancy had four children, and when Art came along she welcomed another daughter into her life and raised Daphne like she was her own. She also gained many “bonus children” along the way—because Nancy’s generosity didn’t stop at the edge of a family tree; it simply kept branching. She had a huge heart and loved everyone.

In 1992, Art and Nancy bought a farm and lived there for 14 years. Life there came with horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, and chickens—and with Nancy, even chores became part of the family lore. Every morning she collected fresh eggs from the “chicken holes,” as she called them, a term still used by her family to this day.

Music was Nancy’s first language and her lifelong companion. She LOVED music and was an accomplished piano player, playing at church services for First United Methodist for over 30 years. She also played the organ, harp, violin, and guitar, sang in the church choir, and performed with the McConnell Singers at Phoenix College. Her love of choral music carried her on several singing tours with the group to the British Isles, Ireland, and Hawaii several times—with Art by her side, because some adventures are better shared, especially when they come with harmonies.

And just in case anyone assumed her talents were limited to music, Nancy cheerfully proved otherwise. She taught Country Western Dancing, swing, 2 step, and line dancing two nights a week for several years—because why merely walk through life when you can two-step through it? In 2007, she and Art moved to Glendale AZ for a more manageable location, and together they enjoyed Rodeos and Bluegrass Festivals. They sponsored the Junior Fiddle contest for over 40 years, quietly helping young talent find its footing and its confidence.

Nancy’s creativity also lived in her hands. She was an excellent seamstress who made several wedding dresses for family members. She was a chronic crocheter—some might say a real “hooker”—and a yarn-a-holic, leaving behind a trail of king-size afghans given for weddings, graduations, and new babies. Her gifts weren’t just blankets; they were comfort, patience, and love stitched into something you could wrap around your shoulders. And if you left her house around Christmas, you likely left carrying a beautiful tray with a dozen or more flavors of homemade cookies and fudge—because Nancy believed celebration should be shared, and preferably buttered.

She was always up for a Harley ride—anywhere Art wanted to go, she was game. Leather boots, hat, jacket, hop on the back, hang on, and off they went. Wickenburg was one of her favorite rides, a detail that fits her perfectly: spirited, ready, and delighted by the simple joy of going somewhere together.

Her generosity showed up faithfully and practically, too. Every Monday Nancy shopped for bread, citrus, and cases of water to donate to the church to help feed the homeless. It wasn’t a grand announcement. It was simply Nancy being Nancy: kind-hearted, steady, and quietly determined to make sure someone else had what they needed.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Art Herring; her children, Robin Munn, Martha Kingdon, Daphne Closson, and John Owen; her grandchildren, Nicholas, Cameron, Grant, Madi, Kayli, Curt, and Grey; and her great grandchildren, Patrick and Jett.

A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church, 7102 N 58th Dr #88, Glendale, AZ 85301, US, on June 28, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Nancy’s life was a bright, busy song—full of love, laughter, and the kind of generosity that didn’t wait for an occasion. Those who knew her will remember the music she made, the warmth she gave, and the way she could turn ordinary moments into something worth keeping.