It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Nancy Ann Schug, 87, of Climax, Michigan, who passed away on October 1, 2024. She was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on November 26, 1936, to Glenn and Lillian (Brennan) VandeGiessen.

Nancy was a farm girl from day one. Her love for farming and the outdoors was evident throughout her entire life. While growing up, one of the main things she enjoyed was participating in 4H. In 4H, she showed livestock and participated in baking and clothing making. She graduated from Galesburg-Augusta High School in 1954.

She married the love of her life, Lloyd D. Schug, on May 29, 1957. They had three sons and enjoyed 65 happy years together. The things that defined Nancy’s life were faith, family, and farming.

In 1966, Lloyd and Nancy established Schug Farms. They were proud member of the Newcombers Group of the Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau, the Michigan Pork Producers Association and the Michigan Pork Council. They received various awards through the years for their excellence and leadership in farming. Nancy was a large part of the success of the farm. She kept the books and finances for many years, jumped in to help whenever needed, and also worked behind the scenes to support Lloyd and the family in everything they hoped to achieve. Their two sons joined the partnership and are continuing their legacy of farming to this day. Even in her later years, Nancy could be found driving or walking around the farm checking up on everyone and everything happening and seeing if she could be of any help.

Lloyd and Nancy spent many happy years traveling the country on their Goldwing motorcycle as part of the Cereal City Goldwing Group. They visited 47 states and 6 provinces of Canada together on the Goldwing. They also spent 26 winters in Florida where they made many special friends and numerous memories of family visiting and time spent enjoying retirement. In Florida, Nancy was involved in many activities, including bingo, a social gathering called “coffee hour,” and painting classes.

Nancy also enjoyed knitting very much and made many special and well-loved blankets for family and friends over the years. She appreciated nature and spent lots of time observing wildlife and taking walks outside and around the farm property. Most of all, she loved her family and friends deeply, and spent lots of time caring for them, letting them know she was thinking of them through a gift, card, or text message, and praying for them. Nancy loved the Lord and attended church for many years, even watching online when she couldn’t get out of the home.

Nancy is survived by her sons, Michael (Vicky) Schug and Dennis (Brenda) Schug; grandchildren, Lindsey (Randy) Sims, Cory (Sarah) Schug, Darin (Christina) Schug, and Mallory (Jeremy) Elsey; and seven great-grandchildren (one additional on the way).

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Schug; parents, Glenn and Lillian VandeGiessen; brothers, Jack and Robert VandeGiessen; and her son, Russell Schug.

Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service on Monday, October 7, 2024 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. The funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 pm.

Interment will take place at Roof Cemetery in Climax, MI.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels of Southwestern Michigan or Gun Lake Community Church in Wayland, MI.

Arrangements entrusted to the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 269-788-9800. www.baxterfuneral.com.