Nancy Buss, 79, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2015, in Madison, surrounded by her three children.
Nancy Nickles was born July 29, 1935, in Madison, daughter of the late Robert J. and Dorcas (Branson) Nickles. She was a graduate of Madison West High School, attended Lawrence University in Appleton and graduated in 1957 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in social work. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She was united in marriage to Stanley “Stub” Buss on Aug. 23, 1958, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Madison.
Nancy was employed as a social worker at Pine Manor Healthcare Center, Embarrass, for more than 20 years. She was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Sun Prairie. She was a dedicated volunteer throughout her life, devoting her time and expertise to founding the Marion United Fund, and holding various leadership roles in numerous organizations across the Marion, Caroline and Oakwood communities. Nancy was also a strong advocate for programs for the elderly and their families, including Alzheimer’s support groups and in-home hospice.
Nancy was a devoted wife, a caring mother and grandmother, and a compassionate member of the communities in which she lived. Nancy loved crocheting beautiful afghans and needlepointing pictures that are treasured by her family. Nancy also enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, listening to music and experiencing various cultural events.
Nancy will most certainly be remembered for her warm and genuine smile that lit up the hearts of all who saw her. Nancy will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include her children, Julie Buss, Madison, Kurt Buss, Loveland, Colorado, and Eric (Gina) Buss, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and her six grandchildren, Amanda, Conrad “CJ,” Jack, Anna, Joshua and Cole. She is further survived by her sister, Lynn Spindler, Austin, Texas; her brother, Jerry (Amy) Nickles, Madison; brother-in-law, Marshall Buss, Neenah; and various other family members.
Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of more than 51 years, Stanley; her parents; brother-in-law, Frederick “Fritz” Spindler; and sister-in-law, Betty Buss.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 3:30 p.m. at Oakwood Village-Prairie Ridge-Tree of Life Chapel, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison, with the Rev. Mike Tess officiating. The family will receive visitors prior to the services, beginning at 2:30 p.m. until the time of services. An additional visitation will be held at the Beil-Didier Funeral Home, 207 S. Main St., Marion, on Thursday, June 11, from 5-7 p.m. Graveside services will be at Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Caroline, on Friday, June 12, at 11 a.m.
The family wishes to thank the nurses and caregivers from Agrace Hospice, the UW Hospital and Oakwood Village-Prairie Ridge for the compassionate care they provided Nancy and her family.
Condolences may be sent to www.cressfuneralervices.com or www.beil-didier.com.
