Nancy Evelyn Ambrosius Powell, loving wife, beloved mother, and dear friend passed away peacefully on January 27, 2019, surrounded by her family in Georgetown, Texas. Nancy was born in San Francisco, California on September 10, 1934, to John and Dorothy (Sheldahl) Ambrosius. She grew up on her family's farm in Harvard, Illinois. In 1956, Nancy earned a liberal arts degree from Principia College (Elsah, Illinois) and later a degree in elementary education from Northern Illinois University (Dekalb, Illinois).

Two days after she graduated from college, Nancy married Daniel Arwin Clock. After moving to Grand Haven, Michigan in 1965, she raised her four daughters through thick and thin, with a cheerful attitude prevailing. She enjoyed a successful career as a social worker for the Ottawa County Department of Health in Grand Haven, Michigan. She was a dedicated public servant, retiring after more than 30 years. Nancy was married to Jean Everett Powell in 1979, and they built a beautiful life together.

In the last 6 months of her life, Nancy lived in Texas. Upon arrival, she boldly and joyfully jumped in with two feet becoming a Texan. She registered to vote, carried her new library card and applied for a Texas drivers license. In Texas, she met many new friends who came into her life with loving care when she needed it most, especially Carisma, her caregiver.

Nancy was always active, spending quality time with family and friends with humor and humility. She shared her love through her actions, whether it was baking the perfect rhubarb pie for her grandchildren, befriending those in need, caring for her many pets, tending her garden plants or volunteering at church. She loved to celebrate life with loved ones. When times were tough, Nancy always came through with a smile on her face. She is dearly missed by all whose lives she touched and will be remembered with kindness and love for all.

Nancy once met a woman who gave the following advice “worth taking for us all, especially me”:

Back off

Settle down

Lighten up

And

Reconsider

She is survived by her sister Susie of Washington State; three daughters: Dorothy Switzky, of Georgetown, Texas; Mary Rust, of Alexandria, Virginia, and Sarah Robinson, of Washington D.C., three step-children: Kim Black, Cyndy Erickson and Tony Powell, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Jean E. Powell, her eldest daughter, Elizabeth Ada Duffie, and her step-daughter Debbie Wilson.

Services are planned for February 2, 2019, at 1:30 PM at St. Helen's Catholic Church, 2700 E. University Avenue, Georgetown, Texas, and in Grand Haven, Michigan, this summer, time and location to be determined (will be announced on Facebook).  

Nancy has always supported those less fortunate. Donations may be made in Nancy's name to the Southern Poverty Law Center, https://www.splcenter.org/