Born October 26, 1945, to Truman and Lorraine Sloan, Nancy built a life full of warmth, kindness, and deep devotion to the people she held dear. She met Kenneth at Kansas State University, and together they shared 56 years of a strong and loving marriage. Early in their life together, while Ken served in the Air Force, the couple lived in Hawaii—an adventure that brought them lifelong friends they would treasure for decades.
Nancy was warm and kind, with a heart that found its greatest joy in being a mother, homemaker, and grandmother. She taught home economics for a time early in her career, but it was the everyday moments at home that defined her. She and Ken remained devoted supporters of K-State sports throughout their lives. Nancy poured herself into genealogy, carefully building an extensive family history collection and often traveling with Ken to uncover new stories. She also loved collecting new recipes, scrapbooking, and Christmas was pure magic under her care—she delighted in decorating for her children and grandchildren, filling the season with beauty and cheer. Even relatives who lived far away stayed close to her heart, as she thoughtfully kept in touch and made sure they always felt remembered and cared for.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Kenneth Gillespie; daughters Debbie Smith (Brett) and their daughters Erin and Abby, and Susan Sorensen (Brad) and their children Christina and Danny; and her sister Janet D’Adamo (Chris) and their children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Truman and Lorraine Sloan.
Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Newcomer’s Floral Hills, 7000 Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, Missouri 64133, followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. A graveside service will follow, with a luncheon afterward.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or Ascend Hospice, 783 NE Anderson Lane, Lee’s Summit, MO 64064.
