top banner

Obituary Listings

Nancy (Wikoff) Bair

March 1, 1943 January 19, 2025
Nancy (Wikoff) Bair
There are condolences waiting approval on Nancy's Tribute wall
Obituary for Nancy (Wikoff) Bair

Nancy (Wikoff) Bair was born March 1st 1943 to Mary and James Wikoff in Waco, Texas. She was one of three children. Her brother, Kenny (Holly) Wikoff currently resides in Florida. Her younger sister, Susie, died in an accident as a small child. She is survived by her children Cathy (Bill) Cash and son, Joe (Laurie) Phelps. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Lindsey (Tim) Reilley and great grandchildren Maeve and Maggie, Lauren (Baylor) Wagehoft and great grandchildren Jude and Lydia, Leah and Lance Sebade. She was preceded in death by her parents and great granddaughter, Eden Wagehoft. Also surviving is her significant other of 26 years, Gary Osterman. Nancy graduated from Easton high school in 1961. She got her diploma degree in nursing at Graham hospital. While working full time as a nurse at Methodist, she went on to get her Bachelor's degree from Bradley University. Nancy worked at several area hospitals with most of her years being spent at Methodist Hospital in Peoria. While she spent the last years of her life battling the effects of Parkinson's Disease, her family remembers her as being independent, active, fun and adventurous. After her children graduated from high school, Nancy got her pilot's license which made her dad who had served as a training officer in the Army Air Corps very proud. She enjoyed square dancing but it was country line dancing that brought her and Gary together. It brought her great joy spending time outside. Nancy shared her love of nature with her grandchildren, who have memories of going bird watching, camping, walking trails, canoeing and even skiing with her. She also loved to go on movie dates, watch comedy TV shows and go to local play productions with her family and Gary. She retired late in life and learned shortly after retirement that she had Parkinson's disease. She stubbornly continued to live her life to the fullest and never complained about her circumstance. She became a "master naturalist" and volunteered as long as she was physically able to at a local nature center. Nancy taught her family the value of time spent with loved ones over material things. Her family remembers yearly trips traveling to various locations and family reunions that she helped organize. She lived a resourceful and frugal life, not buying more than she truly needed. She liked to give trips and experiences as gifts to her grandchildren rather than toys. She was also generous with her time, volunteering to babysit and help out when she could. Her grandchildren loved decorating spritz cookies with her every Thanksgiving. They plan to carry on that tradition. She was known for her "yoohooing" whenever she walked into a residence and later as a resident at Hopedale Nursing Home. She was also loved for her funny one liners and wit. Of all her accomplishments, she was most proud of her role as a mother, grandmother, and most recently great grandmother. Nancy passed peacefully on January 19th. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her.


A special thank you to her dear cousin Jim Dudley for his friendship and support over the years, especially during her final days. Thank you to Gary Osterman, the love of her life and devoted partner, Thank you to Hopedale Nursing Home for their compassionate and quality care these past two years.


The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com


Read More

To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Nancy (Wikoff) Bair, visit the Tribute Store.

Albums

Create new album
 
Subscribe To Obituaries


alt

We appreciate your support
In accordance with the wishes of the family, this
message has been declined.
Nancy (Wikoff) Bair

Thank you for sharing your
memory of Nancy

Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of Nancy (Wikoff) Bair.

Send Flowers
No thanks, please don't show me this again.
Loading...