Nancy Watts Vance

Nancy passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026 at the age of 70, surrounded by her loved ones, after a courageous battle with leukemia, facing her illness with incredible strength and grace.

Those who shared in Nancy’s life: her loving husband Ted, his children Benjamin (Alison), Richard (Cecily), Juddson (Kerri) and John, grandchildren Ford, Izzy, Wyatt, Norah, Scout, Effie, Kenny, Myra and Andy, sisters Liz (Mike) and Kathy, brother Jim (Leanna) and ‘Sister by Another Mother’ Vicki (Brock), in-laws John and Debbie, brothers-in-law Randy and Jerry, sister-in-law Lana and many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Mary Ann Einhaus, her sisters Mary Pat and Susie and brother Bobby.

The universe got it right when Ted and Nancy finally met in 2008 because of a ‘double dog dare’ Vicki issued to Nancy. Life soon became a combination of sharing their lives, eventually marrying in 2016 during a motorcycle trip in Colorado. Putting Houston weather and hurricanes behind them, they moved to Gainesville in December 2021 to be closer to Ted’s family.

Nancy grew up in Arlington, Texas and graduated from Arlington High School in 1974. After moving to Houston, she spent 30 years in the oil field thermoplastics industry. She worked in inside and outside sales and manufacturing support positions with Greene Tweed, Haliburton, Alpha Precision and Hoerbiger.

Nancy always had many outside interests. Her aunt Dorothy’s love of antiques inspired Nancy to start collecting antiques, a hobby that she converted into a small business selling antiques and other collectables at a local antiques mall for several years. She also dabbled in raising honeybees, sharing ‘Watts Up Honey’ with friends and family.

There was always a special place in her heart for all animals, but there was even greater affection for dogs of all varieties. Her cherished four toy poodles, Quiqley, Hershey, Yeager and Snickers, were never far from Nancy’s side.

She found her calling when she started Flyin’ Fur Grooming, combining her love of dogs and her business expertise with a successful dog grooming and boarding business. It was her favorite effort, running it for five years until she and Ted moved to Gainesville.

Known for her great heart, thoughtfulness, independence, persistence and just a little stubbornness, she will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege to know her. May she rest in peace, knowing that she made the world a better place.

A time of visitation and funeral service are scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home, Gainesville, TX. The family will begin receiving friends at 9:30 a.m. and the service will start at 11:00 a.m. A committal service is scheduled for Saturday, August 1, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at Shields Cemetery, in Shields (Gouldbusk), Coleman Co., TX.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made towards Leukemia research.