Born: April 21, 1956 - Deceased: 20230622
Nancy Ellen Hougham, nee Stutzman, 67, of Belleville, IL, formerly of Sandwich, IL, passed away Thursday, June 22, 2023 at her residence with her family. She was born Saturday, April 21, 1956, in Chicago, IL.
Nancy grew up in Elmhurst, IL and attended York High School, graduating in 1974. She then attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL where she majored in Biblical Studies. She studied abroad in Jerusalem, visiting holy sites and touring Hezekiah’s Tunnel. After college she was involved in a college ministry, where she met Randy. When she first saw Randy, he was wearing a shirt that read, “I’d rather eat worms than ride a Honda.” They were married September 18, 1982 until Randy’s death in 2009. Randy and Nancy had two sons, Max and Clay, and made it their goal to raise the boys as best they could. Nancy knew how to let her relationship with her sons grow and mature as they grew and matured. She loved her extended family, and her nieces and nephews were a special joy to her. Nancy was a life long flute player and music lover. A self-proclaimed introvert, she favored small gatherings over large ones and brought wise and thoughtful perspectives to life’s problems with quiet power.
Nancy supported Randy and their company, Randall Scott Builders, doing bookkeeping, taxes, and paying the bills. She retired as a Test Proctor for Waubonsee Community College in 2018 after years of service.
After Randy’s death, Nancy faithfully cared for her in-laws, Roland and Ruby, making sure that they enjoyed as much independence as possible and the best care available. She loved seeing people treated with dignity, respect, and understanding.
In her later years she enjoyed traveling to meet family and friends, taking trips to Greece, Oregon, and Texas, with frequent visits back to the Fox Valley area.
As she approached death, she mourned the deterioration of her physical body, but the bright flame that was her heart and care for others never wavered. She leaves behind a legacy of sacrifice and caring, living the Gospel as she best understood it. Of special note to her, she survived Stage IV Melanoma skin cancer in the late 80’s and died of a different, unrelated cancer over 35 years later.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Husband: Randy Hougham
- Parents: Milton and Luella, nee Tucker, Stutzman
She is survived by her:
- Sons
- Max (Lisa) Hougham of Pierce City, MO
- Clay (Rachyl) Hougham of Belleville, IL
- Grandchildren
- Beryl
- Silas
- Thales
- Hannah
- Søren
- Beulah
- Timothy
- Titus
- Calliope
- Guinevere
- Siblings:
- Lorraine (Joe) Tash of Portland, OR
- Mary (Bruce) Burlingame of Glen Ellen, IL
- Barb (Dave) Dietz of Grand Rapids, MI
- John (Sara) Stutzman of Grand Rapids, MI
- Betty (Greg) Parquette of Springfield, IL
Memorials: If you would like to honor Nancy with a memorial gift, the family suggests buying groceries for your local food pantry on her birthday, April 21, as was her custom.
Visitation: Visitation from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, July 1, 2023 at Kurrus Funeral Home. Private family Interment at Millington Newark Cemetery, Millington, IL.
Meal: There will be a meal at the Knights of Columbus in O’Fallon, IL immediately following the services for family and friends.
7 Comments
Clay, Rachyl, Max, Lisa & kids-
Sincerest & deepest condolences on the loss of your mother & grandmother.
As you mourn the loss of one so dear & sweet, I mourn the loss of a dear, sweet friend of more than 55 years.
Thank you for all you did for her- especially in her last few years. She was so very deeply proud of her family & her legacy is honored in the men (and women) you’ve become.
Much love,
Sally
Such sad news to hear that Nancy passed. I have not had much contact with the Stutzman kids over the years but grew up a few houses from them in Yorkfield and attended the same church and youth group. My memories are very fond of those days and just wanted to reach out and give my condolences to each of the kids.
Sending prayers to all my cousins and to Nancy’s family. I’m so sad for your loss of such a sweet, loving soul. It was always the highlight of our summer to see our cousins at family reunions and what a great surprise to see her when she visited Texas a few years ago. Our last adventure was attending my niece’s wedding in MO and getting to meet Nancy’s family in Belleville (pre-Calliope!). Speaking of weddings, I’ll never forget attending Nancy and Randy’s beautiful wedding with the bluegrass music and Harleys roaring.
This is Ellen (Flagg) Cauthorn. Such fantastic memories I have of living down the street from the Stutzmans and playing in each others yards for many years. Then sharing high school years and church youth group was another wonderful time. My heart does mourn for the earthly loss of your blessed sister Nancy. I know her hope was in Christ just as all of ours are too and we will see her again. Love all of you 💗
Nancy was a friend from high school that I got to know even better through our yearly reunions . I loved her sincerity , huge heart … and her laugh! I admired her courage when She lost Randy and as she went through many cancer treatments. We had many conversations about life as we became older … and I was thankful for her deep thoughtfulness . It was a joy to know her. I am sure her spirit is lighting up the heavens . Peace be with you all .
Nancy and I became friends only about four years ago. What a smart, thoughtful, witty, caring woman! She was always good company. As her health deteriorated, I was in awe of her strength, bravery and unflagging sense of humor. I could go on and on with superlatives about dear Nancy, but suffice it to say that she taught me much about living and about dying. I will hold her wisdom and my memories in my heart.
Max, Clay and fam. Coz and I grieve with you today. Our hearts feel your pain. Even though believers enjoy many great blessings from God we still find that this life is filled with trouble and sorrow. I think it is meant to be that way so we don’t become too attached to this world and we keep our eyes fixed on heaven and on Jesus. What a great day it will be when we all see Him and our loved ones as well. We could not be with you today but you are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all.
Jim: 615-772-7536
Coz: 615-772-7768