Nancy Sue Marler, of Rolla, Missouri, departed this life on May 4, 2023, at the age of 75.

Nancy was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to the late John and Norma (Smith) Hand on October 2, 1947. On November 21, 1964, she married her soul mate and high school sweetheart, Gary Marler, and enjoyed 58 years of wedded bliss. They raised three sons together.

Faith anchored Nancy as she navigated the storms of life. Her trust in Jesus Christ affected every decision big and small.

Raising three boys became the center of Nancy’s existence as a busy homemaker. Her hands were never idle as she prepared meals from scratch and served as head seamstress for her growing family in Knob Lick, Missouri. The family moved to Rolla in 1982, where they established Gary’s Auto Body. Nancy served in numerous roles in the family business, especially with bookkeeping. Her love of antiques developed into a small business as well. Nancy loved combing the countryside for unique items to place in her antique booth space.

Over the years, Nancy’s love of sewing spawned an insatiable pursuit for textile arts, including quilting and rug hooking. Nancy founded “Rolla Ruggers,” a local organization to share her love of rug hooking and promote it in the community. She was also a member of Piece and Plenty Quilt Guild in Rolla, Missouri.

In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Belle Archer, and a grandson, Timothy Andrew Marler.

Nancy’s memory will be cherished by her surviving family, including: husband Gary Marler of the home in Rolla, MO; three sons, Kevin and wife Lois Ann of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, Steve and wife Melanie of Manchester, New Hampshire, and Stacey and wife Elaine of Rolla, MO; siblings Alice Murphy and husband Fred of Crossville, TN, Jack Hand and wife Ginger of Farmington, MO, Debbie Hunting of Columbia, MO, Danny Hand and Kathy Hand, both of Farmington, MO; five grandchildren, Rachel Marler of Tennessee, Jeremy Marler and wife Jessica of Layton, UT, Macey Marler of Layton, UT, Laine Marler and wife Baylee of Springfield, MO, and Alaina Weeks and husband Theron of Rolla, MO; and six great-grandchildren, Bridger Marler, Cora Lee Marler, Hunter Hughes, Theodore Weeks, Callahan Weeks, and Rosalie Weeks. Nancy also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to dear friends Mike and Tammy Olsen for their love and dedicated service, as well as to the staff of Gary’s Auto Body.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at Round Pond Baptist Church Cemetery, 570 County Road 2320, Salem, Missouri 65560. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.