Nancy Weidenhammer, a devoted mother, doting grandmother, and proud great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, at the age of 83. She left this world exactly as she lived in it: surrounded by the family she spent her life building, nurturing, and protecting.
Born in Smithville, MO, to Willard and Lula Fern (Webb) Barber, Nancy grew up with a kind heart and a feisty spirit that she never quite let go of. On March 7, 1959, she married the love of her life, Charles Weidenhammer. Though Charles left this earth far too soon in 1985, Nancy’s heart remained his. Whenever she was asked why she never remarried, she’d simply say, “God broke the mold when He made Charles.” After 40 years apart, we suspect their reunion was the highlight of her week, although her kids joke that he doesn’t know what he’s in for after all this time.
While Nancy had many accomplishments, she considered her family her masterpiece. As a Mother, she was the ultimate “North Star,” providing a steady hand, a warm kitchen, and advice that was notoriously—and sometimes annoyingly—always right. As a Grandma, she stepped into the role of “Grandma” with expert ease. She ensured the next generation was well-versed in the wisdom of The Golden Girls and her beloved soap operas. She was a good sport through it all, even when her grandkids chased her with live frogs (she preferred the ceramic kind) or teased her about the mysterious “Silver Lady” she claimed to have seen. In her later years, her face lit up brightest for her great-grandchildren. She loved them so fiercely that she practiced a “hear no evil” policy, flatly refusing to believe their parents when they suggested the children had misbehaved.
Nancy was a woman of many talents, but she was also a woman of firm boundaries. In her younger years, she loved camping and fishing at Pomme De Terre Lake and tending to gardens so enormous they could feed the county. She could cook almost anything to perfection—with the notable and legendary exceptions of her gravy and her Christmas divinity candy. Until her final days, Nancy was an expert in “people watching.” While her family affectionately called it “being nosy,” Nancy maintained it was just a hobby. She found peace in the simple things: the hum of a hummingbird, the glow of the stars in the night sky, and a good cup of coffee.
Nancy is survived by her four daughters: Patricia (Roger) Justus of Holt, MO; Mary (Marty) Schnatz of Lathrop, MO; Cheryl (Dan) Lager of Turney, MO; and Tammy (Bill) Davidson of Lathrop, MO. She leaves a legacy through her grandchildren: Travis (Leslie) Lager, Danielle Lager, Chuck Lager, Scott (Dayton) Justus, Tyler Justus (fiance Shrey Goel), Madison Schnatz (fiancé Blake McClain), Tori (Kerri) Davidson, and Emilee Davidson; as well as her great-grandchildren: Kyle, Ethan, Trevor, Melanie, Jett, Miah, Ellarose, Jackson, Amber, and Tayler. Her sisters Carolyn (David) Cone, Shirley (Brian) Evans, Katherine (Mike) Carter; many nieces and nephews, as well as close friend LeaEtta Davidson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Lula Fern; her beloved husband, Charles; and her brother, Irvin Lee Barber.
“Her life was a masterclass in unconditional love. While she has left our sight, her hands are still felt in the traditions we keep, the gardens we grow, and the kindness we show one another.”
A celebration of Nancy’s remarkable life will be held at a later date.
