Nancy Sue (Williston Bruffet) Shields passed away on Monday, December 16, 2024, after a brief but courageous battle with liver cancer. Her passing came just 12 days after celebrating her 78th birthday. Diagnosed less than three months before her death, Nancy spent her final days surrounded by her loving and devoted family, who had gathered to care for her in her final days.
Born on December 4, 1946, in Kansas City, MO, Nancy was the eighth of nine children born to Walter and Marie Shields. Her family’s Olathe, Kansas household was filled with the love and laughter of seven sisters and one brother. Many of her older siblings were already starting families of their own by the time she was born, creating a rich tapestry of extended family that shaped her childhood. Nancy’s early years were deeply rooted in faith and community through the Community of Christ church. Summers were spent at church camps, where she formed cherished memories—whether enjoying youth camps or family camps where her mother often served as a cook.
Nancy dedicated her life to caring for others, a calling that defined her character. Her family was at the center of her world. Nancy took immense pride in the milestones and accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She always wanted to be there when they happened. She opened her home and heart to foster numerous children, many of whom faced significant medical challenges that made placement difficult. With tireless determination and compassion, she advocated for their health and well-being, navigating the complexities of social services and the medical system with determination and compassion to ensure they received the care they needed. Despite facing personal hardships throughout her life, Nancy remained a constant source of love and warmth to all who knew her.
Even after receiving her cancer diagnosis, she continued to prioritize the needs of others over her own. During a visit to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, she expressed heartfelt empathy for younger patients whose lives were cut tragically short. Through it all, Nancy maintained an unshakable faith and a sense of peace about her journey, often sharing that she had lived a full life and was unafraid of what lay ahead. She held firmly to her belief in a place prepared for her by her Heavenly Father.
Nancy’s love extended far beyond blood ties; to her, family included anyone welcomed at the table. Her impact reached far beyond her immediate family. Nancy’s boundless love and generosity touched countless lives over the years. She embraced everyone her loved ones cared for with open arms, always making room in her heart for more. She found joy in simple pleasures — entertaining and consoling babies and young children; cross-stitching blankets and pillowcases for family; playing SkipBo and other card games with her family; listening to the fellowship of others sharing stories and laughter. She had a tattoo on her right ankle of two of her favorite things, a rose and a butterfly.
Nancy is survived by her four children: Melina, Jay, Ronda, and James; nine grandchildren: Emilie, Matt, Mason, Christopher, Kelsey, Harper, Molly, Abby, and Samanta; and four great-grandchildren: Cooper, Karina, Harry, and Charlie. Just weeks before her passing, they all gathered together for one final Thanksgiving—a memory that will forever be treasured by those who loved her.
On her last birthday earlier this month, as she blew out the candles on her cake surrounded by loved ones, she shared that her birthday wish was for her family to love one another—a wish they reminded her she had already fulfilled through the example she set every day of her life.
Nancy’s family will continue to honor her memory by spending time together—sharing stories, laughing as they remember her humor and warmth, and playing the card games she so enjoyed. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void in their lives, they find comfort in knowing that the legacy of love and kindness she left behind will endure in their hearts forever.
A joint celebration of life gathering will be held for Nancy and her oldest sister Ina Shields—who passed away just days before Nancy—on Saturday, January 4th, 2025. The gathering will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Community of Christ Church located at 15520 S Ridgeview Road in Olathe, Kansas.
The family requests that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to St, Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A memorial page has been created for those who wish to do so.
