Nancy East

Nancy A. East, 82, of Cape Girardeau departed this world peacefully Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at Southeast Hospital, surrounded by her family.

She was born Jan. 2, 1933, in St. Louis to Carson and Agnes Rehak Ligon. She and William F. "Bill" East were married May 17, 1952, in Cape Girardeau. He preceded her in death May 16, 2011.

When she was 12, her father's career required a move. The family relocated to Cape Girardeau and she began attending St. Mary Grade School.

After successfully fighting polio, Nancy went on to graduate with her class in 1952 from St. Mary High School, now Notre Dame Regional High School. Nancy attended Southeast Missouri State University.

While Bill served in the Air Force, they lived first in Texas and then in Kansas City, Missouri, returning to Cape Girardeau in 1957.

After her children were in school, Nancy worked at Cloud Nine Gifts, Riverside Lumber and Hardware, Zickfield's Gift Box and Jim Goggin Excavating.

To say Nancy loved quilting would be an understatement. She spent many happy hours quilting alone and alongside her fellow members of River Heritage Quilters Guild. In addition to her children and grandchildren, Nancy enjoyed NASCAR, reading and animals. She was a member of St. Mary Cathedral.

Survivors include a son, Gary (Sherry) East of Cape Girardeau; three daughters, Pam (Steve) Raney and Debbie (Sam) Prasanphanich of Cape Girardeau and Tina Hey of Jackson; 17 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a "sister at heart," Karen Gay of Cape Girardeau; and her beloved companion, Lola.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and a son-in-law, Everett Hey.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Allan Saunders officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to River Heritage Quilters Guild.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.