Nancy Carol (Mealy) Dressman was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on April 8, 1926 to Frank and Ethel Severin Mealy of Axtell, Kansas. Her early childhood was spent tending cows, chickens and gardening with her younger sister, Muriel. She hunted small game with her father and grandfather Severin. She spoke fondly of her trips to St. Joseph and Kansas City to visit uncles and aunts. She was fortunate to live near her grandfather Severin who helped provide the opportunity to fresh fruit from his orchard and shared in duties tending cattle.

Nancy spent one college year in Atchison attending Mount Scholastica, she then returned to Axtell to work with the newly formed Rural Electric. She later transferred to Kansas City and worked for Skelly Oil on the Plaza. At a New Year’s Eve dance in Seneca, future husband, Erwin hooked her with a cane and asked for a dance. Erwin was injured in WW II and had recently returned to the area after rehabilitation and vocational training. Nancy said she knew Erwin, had seen him at other socials in the area and immediately formed a lasting relationship. They married April 3, 1948 and nine months later began a brooding spree that would produce thirteen children. Nancy was active in Catholic Church Religious Education in Goodland, Kansas and worked later at the hospital maintaining records. An avid gardener, bread maker and canner she was thrifty with bottling beer, pickles, jams and jellies. With fifteen mouths to feed her children did not experience leftovers until they moved out on their own.

Nancy spent her final twelve years in Overland Park, Kansas attending Holy Cross Catholic Church, and becoming a member of the esteemed Sunshine Club. After losing Erwin in 2003 her later years were filled with daily reading of Magnificat and The Word among Us and prayer. She loved dinners with family and friends, outings with grandchildren and a simple lifestyle.

Her parents Frank and Ethel preceded her both passing in 1981. She leaves behind her sister, Muriel McGuire; her niece, Michelle; and nephew, Terry. She will be missed by her six sons, Martin, Tim, Jason, Terry, Richard and James; and six daughters, Shana, Marian, Muriel, Sheila, Janet and Lisa Beth. Her son Neal unexpectedly passed in 2009. She leaves 26 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

In tribute she would recommend that you purchase an annual subscription to Magnificat of Yonkers, NY and/or The Word among Us of Fredrick, Maryland.

Arrangements are provided by Lauer Funeral Home Seneca, Kansas. The rosary will be one hour prior to the Mass on October 11, 2014 at 9:30 AM; with a Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM, followed by reception; all held at Little Sisters of the Poor located at 8745 James A. Reed Road Kansas City, Missouri 64138, (816) 761-4744. Private interment Monday, October 13, 1:00 PM Sacred Heart Cemetery Baileyville, Kansas.