Nancy Earlene Chandler

On her favorite type of day-sunny with no wind, a clear blue sky, and the birds singing all day- Nancy Earlene (Houk) Chandler went to be with the Lord on Saturday afternoon, May 2, 2026.

Nancy was born July 8, 1937 on a farm near Moran, KS. She was the fourth of five daughters born to Earl and Opal (Sullivan) Houk. She was always proud that she was named after her Great-Grandma Nancy Sullivan and her Dad. She attended Montevale and LaGrand country schools and Moran Rural High School graduating in the class of 1955. After graduation and prior to her marriage, she worked for her Uncle Clarence and Cousin Joe at Houk Insurance Agency in Moran. While working there, Joe conspired with his brother-in-law, Pete Werner, to introduce Nancy to Pete's brother-in-law, Wayne Chandler. Their match-making worked and Nancy and Wayne were married on August 25, 1962 at the Moran Christian Church. They celebrated 61 years of marriage prior to Wayne's death on May 10, 2024.

After their marriage, Nancy happily took on the duties of a full-time homemaker and mother to their only daughter, Jenny. Nancy was always an active volunteer helping prepare and serve meals at the church, teaching Vacation Bible School and Sunday School, serving as a Deaconess, being a Room Mother, serving on the Alumni Association, as well as helping any friends and family who needed her.

She was an excellent cook and was always called upon to supply the rolls and pies for family holiday gatherings. She loved spending time with her family and laughing and having a good time. Many of her nieces and nephews have fond memories of her babysitting them and her Hula-Hooping skills. She also loved to play pitch and after Wayne's retirement they could be found every Thursday afternoon at Moran Senior Center playing cards with their friends. However, nothing gave them greater joy than watching their grandchildren in any activity in which they participated. If Sarah and Jeff were involved, you could bet that Granny and Granddad would be their routing them on!

Nancy's relationship to God was foremost in her heart. She was baptized at the Moran Christian Church and was an active member of the church until her health required her to move to the Moran Manor. However, even after she moved she worshipped at any services held at the Manor and was praising God and looking forward to joining him in eternity until her final breath.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Jenny Spillman of Moran, grandchildren, Sarah Spillman of Manhattan and Jeff Spillman of Moran, her sister, Ruth (David) Spangler of Moran, and sister-in-laws, Leona Werner of Chanute and Sharon Utley of Iola and numerous nieces and nephews, family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, her sisters and brother-in-laws, Mary (Joe) Chalker, Marilyn (Bill) May, and Louella (Gene) Cochran. In-laws, Orville (Georgia) Chandler, Martin "Pete" Werner, Linda (Ron) Call, nephews, David Chandler, Tracy May, and Jon Spangler, and nieces, Georgia "Sis" Chandler Graves and Michele Werner Jefferey.

A funeral service to celebrate the life of Nancy will be held Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Moran Christian Church. Burial will follow at Fort Scott National Cemetery. Her family asks that those attending wear purple or red (Nancy's favorite colors) or any bright color because Nancy would want everyone to celebrate and be happy.

Memorials are suggested to Gideons International may be left with Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 U.S. 54, Iola, KS 66749.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.