Mary (Shellenberger) Nackard |
| Posted 2009-08-25 by Sharla |
| October 6, 1931 - August 13, 2009) Mary Lynn Nackard, 77, passed away on August 13, 2009 at the Olivia White Hospice Home. She was born October 6, 1931 in Rockford, Illinois to Neff W and Mary Elizabeth Shellenberger. Mary grew up in Rockford, and then moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona. Mary graduated from UA in 1952, with a Bachelors of Arts, Major in Education; followed by a Master of Arts in History at Northern Arizona University in 1970. She was initially married to Dr. George Yard; in 1960 they settled in Flagstaff to raise their four children. In 1979 she married Victor Nackard where they enjoyed 25 spirited years together. Being a committed wildcat fan she became an elected board member, Board of Directors Arizona Alumni Assn. Once settled in Flagstaff Mary was actively involved in the local community, participating in many organizations and activities. Memberships included PEO, Coconino County Republican Women, Rotary Club, and Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. She was solicitation chairman for the Salvation Army; NAU faculty wives; member, League of Women Voters; Hospital Auxiliary; Flagstaff Symphony Guild; past-secretary Coconino County Medical Auxiliary; Flagstaff Alumni Assoc.; past-chairman for Mother's March on Polio. Volunteer efforts included Salvation Army's Women's Auxiliary "Toys for Tots", and received the "Hand to Man" annually awarded to a member of the advisory board for outstanding service to the corps; participated in the establishment of Coconino County Community College; International Academic Honorary, Phi Kappa Phi at NAU; Phi Delta Kappa; NAU. Mary's greatest passion in life was politics, where she was actively involved in the Republican Party for over 50 years serving in numerous political roles at both a state and local level. She served as county delegate for state Republican Convention, Coconino County Republican chairman, and many terms as president Coconino County Republican Women, precinct Committeeman, Civil Rights Advisory Board. Mary worked for the Rockford and Flagstaff Public Schools, Northern Arizona University Continuing and Career Education, Coconino County Recorder's office. She served multiple terms as Coconino County Superintendent of Schools. Mary enjoyed cross-word puzzles and gardening; was an avid reader, and especially loved sharing time with her children. Her devotion to her family was immeasurable. She is survived by her sister Lizabeth Liggett of Lincoln, Neb.; children Michael Yard (daughter-in-law Elizabeth), Jennifer Yard, Stephanie Yard, and Tom Yard, all currently residing in Flagstaff; grandchildren Anita Diaz (Joe Alini), David Diaz (Aprille), Charlie Moody and Bethany Gregerson (James); great grandchildren Adam and Katrina Griffin; nieces Dana Hagenah, Beth Thulin, Maggie Rorbach, Alison Carpenter, and Mary Bundy; and nephews David Liggett and Chris Welsh; and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Victor; sisters Susan Welsh and Nancy Corral; and son-in-law Tom Moody. A small private service is to be held at Citizens cemetery for family and close friends. A memorial celebration of her life will be held at the Elks Lodge, 2101 N. San Francisco St., at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009. We cordially invite all to attend, reminisce and reconnect with your friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Northland Hospice, P.O. Box 997, Flagstaff, AZ 86002, and National Multiple Sclerosis Society – Arizona Chapter, 5025 E. Washington St., Suite 102, Phoenix, AZ 85034-2005. (Obit: Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, AZ) See Also: Find A Grave |
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