Ilene Bernice Nance, 88, formerly of Dallas Center, passed away on October 6, 2024 at Arbor Springs in West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be Friday, October 11, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 at Iles Brandt Chapel in Dallas Center, Iowa. Service will be Saturday, October 12 at 10:00 at First Presbyterian Church in Dallas Center with interment to follow at Brethren Cemetery.

Bernice, the daughter of Sherman and Ilene Elliott, was born October 3, 1936 in Murphysboro, Illinois. Her childhood was spent in rural Murphysboro and she graduated from Murphysboro High School in 1953.

On June 14, 1959 Bernice was united in marriage to Jerry Nance whom she met while living in California. Jerry and Bernice lived in Iowa and California before returning to Iowa to raise their family in Dallas Center. After retirement, the couple moved to Bernice’s family farm in Illinois but spent much of their time in Green Valley, Arizona. Recently they moved back to central Iowa.

Bernice’s career was in bookkeeping which she began at General Electric in Murphysboro. She wrapped up her career retiring as City Clerk of Dallas Center and as bookkeeper for Nance Trucking.

Bernice enjoyed serving others. In Dallas Center, Bernice was involved with the Fire Auxiliary and the Presbyterian Women’s group. In Green Valley, she and Jerry frequently volunteered for park activities.

Not one to sit still and happiest when her hands were busy, when Bernice was not serving others, she could be found gardening, crocheting, knitting, or reading.

Bernice and Jerry made great friends and memories while square dancing, camping, at card club, in their community involvement in Dallas Center, and in their RV park in Green Valley.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents and two infant brothers.

Bernice is survived by her husband Jerry; Children Deb (Kim) Donat, Jim (Keitha) Nance, and Jeri (Mike) Hammen; Grandchildren Ashley Atkins, Kara (Blake) Downing, Micah Donat (Kaitlyn Blink), Bethany (Ryan) Teppen, Tiffany (Tyler) Young, Christi (Kyle) Wells; Step-Grandchildren Jamie and Alex Hammen; and Great-Grandchildren Ilizabeth and Alivia Downing, Ava and Leah Wells, Nico Teppen, Luke Young, and Tina Harned.