Nancy Ruth Hanson of Indianola, IA passed away on April 22, 2026 from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.

She was born on March 1, 1937 (her mother’s birthday) in Detroit, MI. Nancy was the beloved daughter of Melville and Ruth Bullach. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, her sister Judy and brother Peter. She is survived by her husband Bert Hanson, Indianola, daughter Lisa Judge (Brad) Ann Arbor, MI, son Craig Green (Pam) Palm Harbor, FL, son Eric Green (Stephanie) Holland, MI, step daughter Hilary Nauholz (Trent) Lawrence, KS, step daughter Hayley Hanson (Todd McGuire) Leawood, KS and 12 grandchildren, Madeline Judge, Louisa Judge, Cecille Judge, Jacob Green, Jordan Green, Abby Green, Carter Green, Alexa Nauholz, Camille Nauholz, Jaxon Nauholz, Campbell McGuire, and Alaina McGuire.

Nancy spent her childhood in Detroit and graduated from Southwest High School. She spent four years at Western Michigan University, graduating with a degree in Occupational Therapy. Nancy and her family called Grand Blanc, MI home where she was a busy working mother, raising three children while having a private practice in her home during which she provided evaluations and therapy for children with developmental challenges.

In 1975, the family moved to Lake Mills, IA to begin a new life in a strange place she called the “end of the earth”. She worked as a teacher’s aide in the Lake Mills Community School District while she obtained her teaching certificate. Not finished with her education, she then completed a Master’s degree in Special Education from Mankato State University in 1982. The remainder of her career was spent teaching children with Special Education needs in Lake Mills and later at Valley High School in West Des Moines, Iowa. One of the most rewarding experiences she had while in Lake Mills was helping Vietnamese children who had been resettled in the local community in the aftermath of the Vietnam War and ensuing humanitarian crisis. She taught these eager students English and how to navigate in their new country. She was immensely proud that those same students went on to become successful business owners and even college professors.

While teaching in Lake Mills, Nancy met Bert Hanson over the lunch table in the school cafeteria. Their romance blossomed, and they were married on November 2, 1985. During their 40 years of marriage, their blended family enjoyed numerous vacations and holiday celebrations together. Nancy and Bert made many visits to Michigan, Missouri, Kansas and Des Moines to visit their children and grandchildren. At Nancy’s urging, family gatherings often involved games that brought everyone around a single table. Despite losing badly, Nancy never wanted to stop playing. Her family was without question the most important part of her life and brought her great joy.

Nancy had a reputation for being a selfless person who placed her family and friends at the top of her priority list, only paying attention to her needs after everyone else was cared for. She was an amazing seamstress, making many of her own clothes and draperies and loved to decorate her home—the epicenter of her life. According to her husband, she was also an amazing “coach’s wife,” always supportive of the endless hours he spent in practice or at games. She was his number one fan.

Nancy’s smile and humor will be missed by everyone whose life she touched, even those who got to know her only after her struggles with Alzheimer’s disease began.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Overton Funeral Home. A time of Remembrance will be held at 5 p.m. Interment will be in the Indianola I.O.O.F. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Nancy’s family plans to send donations in her honor to the Special Education Departments at Lake Mills Community Schools in Lake Mills and Valley High School in West Des Moines.