Nancy Cayler

Nancy Cayler, born Nancy Gail Nesselroad to the late Dick and Mildred Nesselroad, entered this world on October 25, 1940, in Granger, Iowa. She attended Maple Grove School and Waukee Community School, class of 1959.

Nancy met Ron Cayler, her husband of over 55 years, at a square dance in Booneville, Iowa, and they married on April 3, 1960, in West Des Moines at the United Methodist Church. Ron and Nancy resided in Dallas County, where they raised their family less than a mile from Maple Grove United Methodist Church, which Nancy had attended since the 8th grade. They cherished their church family and took great pride in the loving Christian community that was, and still is, Maple Grove.

Throughout her life, Nancy was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. She was a stay-home mom before rejoining the workforce in administrative roles as their children grew, working full-time until fully enjoying retirement. Ron and Nancy resided on 88th Street in West Des Moines for most of their marriage, then relocated to a quiet acreage in Van Meter and downsized over the following years until Ron passed away in August of 2018. Most recently, Nancy resided at Alice Place Apartments in Waukee, enjoying the simplicity of apartment living, the wonderful community of friends she found, and the ability to continue traveling.

Nancy always lived an active and healthy life, enjoying gardening and keeping a lovely yard at their homes, vacationing, camping, fishing, and sightseeing when their kids were young. As their kids grew and vacations were just she and Ron, their travels to New England, Italy, Ireland, and Prague brought so much joy, in addition to hiking and bike riding, and entire three-generation family vacations at various Florida beaches were always a cherished highlight of the summer.

After fiercely battling leukemia into remission not once but twice, Nancy passed away peacefully and with great dignity at Kavanaugh House in Des Moines on November 20, 2022, at the age of 82. She is survived by her three children Jody Vidrine (Jim), Scott Cayler (Susie), and Carmen Smith (Tim), grandchildren Devin, Lauren, Chelsea (Neil), Gavin (Alexis), Cate, Brooke, Jessica (James) and Logan (Natalie), and great-grandchildren Nora, Ben, Koa, Jack, Landon, Kinley, and Colton. Nancy was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred, her father, Dick, her brother Chuck and her beloved husband, Ron.

Visitation with the family will be held Tuesday, November 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at McLaren's Funeral Chapel in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 30, at 10 a.m. at McLaren's Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Maple Grove United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 845, West Des Moines, Iowa, 50266. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com for the Cayler family.