Nancy Ann Gagnon (nee) Bender, 84, passed away on March 9, 2023 surrounded by her daughters at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL.  She was born on March 30, 1938 to Ken and Mildred (Shippy) Bender, the youngest of three children.  She grew up in Red Oak and attended Orangeville School.

Nancy married LaVerne Barker in 1956 and lived shortly on Barker Family Farms before moving to Red Oak.  LaVerne and Nancy raised three daughters: Kim Ethridge, Pamela Socia, and Tamela Scepanski.  After their divorce, she then remarried Terry Gagnon of Freeport in 1979.  They moved to La Crosse, WI.  then shortly after built a house in La Crescent, MN.

Nancy enjoyed many activities in her busy life.  In her younger years she was an avid horsewoman.  She was always busy with softball, bowling, and golf.  Of course, her love of flowers and gardening kept her one with nature.

Nancy had many friends, most cherished were her high school girlfriends; her life long pals.  Also, many cherished friends from La Crescent and La Crosse.

Nancy and Terry moved back to Illinois in 2007 and lived in Cedarville.  Her extended family stayed close to her heart.

Nancy is survived by her three daughters; Kim (Fred) Ethridge, Pam (Jeff) Socia, and Tam (Skip) Scepanski, five grandchildren; Jamie (Jen) Ethridge, Chad (Sandy) Ethridge, Mark Marsh, Leo Socia, and Amanda (Shane) Harter, five great-grandchildren; Isaiah, Mason, Mackenzie, Evelyn, and Emmy, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ken and Mildred, her sister Elaine, brother Arlen, and her husband Terry.

Burial will take place at Cedarville Cemetery, at a later date.

Cremation rites have been accorded.