RATHER, Nancy Jean

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ March 7, 2008 Nancy Jean Hanson-Rather died at Yuma Regional Medical Center Friday, Feb. 15, 2008, with her loving husband by her side. For over five years Nancy battled lung and brain cancer. Nancy was born near Bel Air, Md., Jan. 14, 1937. She attended schools in Harford County and graduated from Bel Air High in 1954. Nancy, her husband Marvin and their three children moved to Yuma in 1959. Nancy's life revolved around her children, her family and her home. She dearly loved being a wife, mother and grandmother. Nancy was primarily raised by her great aunt, Enna Evans. Years later Nancy returned the loving care she had from Aunt Enna by moving her from Maryland to Yuma to live with her. After the children were grown, Nancy became a partner in her husband's business. She served as the vice president and comptroller until the business was sold in 1984. Upon retirement Nancy then devoted much of her time to her passion of creative cooking, reading and flower gardening. Nancy married her high school sweetheart, Marvin. Their 53rd anniversary was Feb. 17. Together they raised three wonderful children. Nancy loved helping others, especially children. Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Marian Hanson; son Mark; grandson Eric Zerbe; brother John Humphrey and great aunt Enna Evans. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Marvin; son Douglas (Donna) of Yuma; daughter Susan (Zane) Zerbe of Prescott; grandsons, William and Tyler Rather of Cave Creek; brother Robert Hanson of Port Deposit, Md.; and sister Wanda (Del) Petit of North Bend, Ore. Services were held Feb. 21 at Kamman Mortuary in Yuma. In lieu of flowers the family requested that donations be made to Hospice of Yuma.