Rachel Nance of St. James, Missouri passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Silver Stone Nursing Home in Rolla, Mo. She was 84 years of age.

Rachel Nance, the daughter of the late Fred and Marchie Sprouse Stapleton, was born November 23, 1939 in Oswego, Kansas.

She was united to Fred Nance on March 6, 1956, in Carthage, Missouri.

Mrs. Nance is survived by her children: Robert Lee Nance and wife, Lori of McKinney, Texas; Ronda Chambers and husband, Gary of St. James, Missouri, and Lisa Barnes and husband, Kenny of Rolla, Missouri; one brother, George Stapleton of Oswego, Kansas; sister, Lula Mae Villages of Oswego, Kansas Along with 7 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Fred; brothers: George, Leo and Guy Stapleton; sisters: Irene Hale, Martha Testerman and Ruby Stricklin.

Growing up in a family of nine children, her childhood provided a lot of fun times with brothers and sisters as well as a lot of experiences learning how to care for a family. Having grown up in a large family, she had gathered a lot of knowledge to help her raise her family. With this knowledge and her unwavering strength and dedication, Rachel guided and supported her children in her strong, but yet quiet and gentle manner through their growing up years. Her support continued for her children as they started their careers and raising their own families. One of her most treasured roles was being a grandmother.

Along with her husband, Fred, she worked in the restaurant business. During the 70s and 80s, they operated Nance's Corner. After selling Nance's Corner, she worked at R & R Restaurant for several years. She also worked at Skelly Restaurant in Cuba, Missouri. After working in the restaurant business for 30 years, she worked at Walmart as a Department Manager for several years.

Private graveside services will be Saturday, December 16, 2023 at the St. James Cemetery with Doug Cuneio officiating. Pallbearers will be grandchildren.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.