Nancy Jane Whisler

Nancy Whisler was born in Glendale, California to Tom and Madeline Smith. In 1936, the family packed up their jalopy truck with all their belongings they could stuff in, three girls and a dog and headed for Republic, Washington. Nancy's Dad had previously gone up to find a job in the mines and fixed up a little house for them to live in.

During high school in Republic Nancy worked at the movie theater. She also had farmer friends who always had gas for their trucks during the war to enjoy her teenage years with.

In 1944, the family moved to Estacada, Oregon where Nancy finished her education. While in school she met her future husband, Bob Whisler. When the family again moved, this time to Tillamook, Oregon, Bob courted her every weekend until they married in 1948. Nancy and Bob returned to Estacada where they started their family.

In 1954 the family moved to their home in Gresham, Oregon where Nancy became very active in the Gresham United Methodist Church. Her passion was singing, and she enjoyed many years as a soprano in the church choir. Nancy and Bob also enjoyed travelling in their various recreational vehicles. They travelled throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, visiting family and friends along the way.

Nancy was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed all the family gatherings over the years. She especially enjoyed making Christmas cookies with the grandkids.

She loved her large yard and garden in Gresham. She canned all the fruits and vegetables the garden and yard produced. She had a green thumb and grew all sorts of wonderful flowers and houseplants. She was a great seamstress making many of her own and children’s clothes and grandchildren’s pajamas.

She enjoyed card games, board games, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles. Even when she could hardly hear she was still playing games with her friends. She was also a voracious reader reading all kinds of books.

Nancy is survived by her sister June, daughter Suzanne, sons Robert and Michael. Seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Jean, oldest son Thomas and her husband of 62 years.

Nancy was a true matriarch, beloved member of her church and Eagle Estates community and will be greatly missed.

Donations can be made to:

Gresham United Methodist Church, 620 NW 8th Street, Gresham, OR 97030 (Carpet Fund).

SnowCap Community Charities - P.O. Box 160, Fairview, OR 97024