Nancy Jo Tennant

Nancy Jo Tennant, age 65, of Oquawka, Illinois, passed away at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, quietly at home after at 2 1/2 year battle with small cell lung cancer. She was born January 17, 1959 at the Gibson City Hospital, Gibson City, Illinois, the daughter of Alvin and Bernice (McDavid) Tennant. Nancy's first six years were spent in Chatsworth, Illinois. She later moved to Oquawka, Illinois with her mother where she was reared by her loving Grandma Gladys and three doting Aunts. Nancy grew up in the good ole' days of Oquawka with sand roads and a pony in every back yard shed. Nancy's school years were influenced by several teacher who had her best interests at heart. She graduated from Union High School with the Class of 1977.

After graduation, Nancy went to work at her mother's bar "Bernice's Showboat" where she worked until it sold in 1988. Nancy then went to work in the Illinois Department of Correction, and later transferred to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This turned out to be her dream job, emulating her father who had a tree business for 70 years. After her retirement from the State of Illinois in 2012, Nancy went on to build and operate her own business called "Lucky's Bar" which she later sold due to Covid. Nancy's hobbies included designing and building, decorating, yard work, flowers, baking, cooking, caring for her animals, and listening to Honky Tonk Outlaw Country music. Mostly, Nancy loved spending time with her family and many friends.

Surviving Nancy are one niece, Heather Green, one nephew, Ron Reinagle, along with several great-nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her long lost high school sweetheart, Brian. She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Patsy Tennant Reinagle, and her brother Ronnie Green. A special thanks go to Team Nancy at OSF Hospice. Thank you very much 

As were Nancy's wishes, cremation is being accorded. A memorial service is planned for 9:00 AM on Saturday, April  13, 2024 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. Private family interment will be at Oquawka Cemetery. A memorial fund is being established for Western Illinois Animal Rescue, Monmouth, Illinois. 

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