The Life and Times of Nancy Carmer Starr Born in Newton, Iowa, on December 29, 1935, Nancy Lea Carmer grew up in a closely-knit family. She was the eldest of three children, and always a role model for her sister Rosemary and brother Phil. Excelling in all her subjects, Nancy also was a model student throughout grammar school and high school, graduating from Newton High School in the Class of 1954. Working a variety of jobs as a youngster, Nancy was fortunate enough to find summer employment at the local Maytag Pool as a lifeguard. This is where she met a dashing, strong athlete from the other side of town, named Dick Starr. Even with a hint of romance in her eyes, she still worked long, hard days, and never turned down the opportunity for an additional hour of overtime. This strategy paid off, as she eventually was hired to work in Maytag's executive corporate offices as a secretary. Once again, her exemplary work ethic earned her high marks with those climbing the corporate ladder, but it was definitely her down-to-earth personality that people loved. She was the talk of the town when she drew Fred Maytag's name one year in the Christmas gift exchange, only to present him with a foxtail ornament which he proudly displayed on the antenna of his favorite automobile. About this time, Nancy was courted by Dick, and eventually promised her hand in marriage to her knight in shining armor that she had always dreamed of. Following an exciting whirlwind romance and military wedding in Maryland on February 5, 1955, newlyweds Dick and Nancy honeymooned in Chicago before heading north to the "Land of the Midnight Sun," Alaska, where Dick was stationed in the Army. Who would have thought Nancy first trip in an airplane would be to the "Great Frontier." Alaska was safe with the two of them standing guard.  Serving his country (and playing basketball) with distinction, Dick soon put his military days behind him, and he and Nancy moved back to the Des Moines area. Their marriage, which seemed to be "made in heaven," soon produced a bouncing baby boy, Dave, and four years later to the day, a darling daughter, Dana - a girl for her and a boy for him. The family made Indianola their home. There, the Starr family learned to love their community, as Dick worked and coached at the high school and later the college, and Nancy raised the family and worked for 27 years as secretary at Whittier Elementary School. Even after putting in a full day's work at school, Nancy never missed a baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, tennis, or track contest of Dave's or Dana's. In fact, she was a regular in the stands for Indianola High School, Simpson College, and Iowa State football and basketball games from 1957 through 2007, a true "Super Fan." Following the marriages of Dave and Dana, Nancy's days of parenthood soon turned to days of grandparenting, something she was born to do, just like shopping and eating sweet desserts! She was so proud of her family, and took every opportunity to show it. Spending time with her four granddaughters was always a priority. She also was proud to be a member of P.E.O. Chapter BP of Indianola, as well as the Simpson Guild. On July 25, 2011, God called Nancy to His flock. Yet, she really isn't gone. Nancy leaves behind a rich legacy of love, tenderness, and kindness that will be cherished and remembered by others for countless years to come. Nancy was a good person, a good wife, a good mother, a good grandmother, and a good friend to all. Nancy Carmer Starr, we know you are with us, and close to us at this very moment. We also know you and all you stand for will be with us forever. We love and cherish your memory. Goodbye for now Grandma, we will see you later