Nancy Roe Obituary

Nancy Lee Roe passed away peacefully at Journey Home in Bartlesville, OK on December 9, 2024.

Nancy was born to Alvin T. Jr. and Maxine N. (McBride) Jones, on November 28, 1934. She was raised by her mother and grandparents in Caney, KS after her father’s death in 1935 of a college football injury. She loved her growing up years in Caney. There was never a dance she didn’t attend, a date she didn’t enjoy or a pet she didn’t want to bring home. She graduated from Caney High School in 1952 and attended college at Kansas University graduating with a degree in education. While she was in Lawrence, she set eyes on her future husband, Dale F. Morrow. They were married in 1957 and soon added their son, Dave, to the family. They made their home in Kansas City where she continued to teach school. She was happy to return to Caney in 1970 where Dale was President of Caney Valley National Bank, and she was employed at the Blackledge Sales Furniture Store.

 When Dale passed away in 1976, Nancy turned her efforts toward being a community leader and businesswoman. She was determined to maintain the vibrancy of Caney she knew in her youth. She served as Caney Chamber of Commerce President, co-founder and President of the Caney Valley Historical Society and Museum and served on USD 436 Board of Education. Over the years, she was a partner in Caney Fitness Center renovated rental homes and started the Caney Antique Mall. On November 7, 1987, she married Darrel Roe and together they worked to improve life for Southeast Kansas residents. Throughout her life she demonstrated hospitality to the community with various church and community volunteer efforts. 

 Nancy protected family traditions and valued sentimentality. She was happiest when she could share her enthusiasm for family life by hosting events and telling family stories. She and Darrel were in their height of happiness when they were able to be grandparents to two granddaughters, Andrea and Meredith. They hosted “Camp Kansas” activities and local outings for the girls when they visited during the summers.

 Nancy is survived by her son, Dave Morrow (Tressa) of Charlotte, NC, granddaughters Andrea (Matt) Ingram of Durham, NC and Meredith of Charlottesville, VA., two great grandchildren, Nora and Bryson, and her cousin, Dale McBride (Gina) who was a faithful and local connection to her family and the community. Cousins Ron Peterson (Angela) of Mustang, OK and Russ Peterson (Beth) of Broken Arrow, OK also survive. Her memorial service will be handled by Potts Funeral Home and held in Caney.

 In lieu of flowers family has requested donations be made out to the Caney Historical Society.