Nancy A. Havens, 60, entered into eternal life on Saturday, September 12, 2015 while at Kindred Hospital in Sycamore, IL. She was born on May 29, 1955 to John T. and Sara "Sally" (Stretch) Havens in Waupun, Wisconsin. Nancy attended the public schools in Rochelle, Illinois and her first two years of college at Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois. In 1975, Nancy transferred to the University of Wyoming where she completed her bachelor's degree in psychology. In 1977, she served as a VISTA volunteer in Ogden, Utah working with handicapped children and it was there that her life's calling formed. In 1982, she finished a master's degree in special education at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. Nancy worked as a special education teacher in Earlville, Illinois for nearly 30 years and was loved by the students and staff. She retired in 2011. Her faith in Christ had its beginnings at the Rochelle United Methodist Church. While at the University of Wyoming, Nancy became involved with Campus Crusade for Christ where her love for Jesus grew.

Nancy was devoted to her family and invested much into her relationships. She cared for her elderly father and was a cheerleader to her nieces, nephews and their families. She was a loyal friend and brought joy to many people with her humor. She loved the Green Bay Packers (this earned her the nickname "Bart" after Bart Starr) and animals. Every dog that lived in the Havens' home became a family member. Nancy was also a generous supporter of missions and charities. She was so proud of the paths that her nieces and nephews had taken to serve and give their lives to the work of God.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Barry. Survivors include her sister-in-law, Barbara Havens, of Boulder, Colorado; six nieces and nephews: Joshua (Cara) Havens, Esther Havens, Jonny Havens, Anna Havens, Jennifer (Eli) Guetta Peersmann and Jeff (Chrissy) Peersmann; and nine great nieces and nephews: Ember, Limor, Ethan, Evan, Nicholas, Adeline, Amelie, Alena and Owen. She also leaves behind her devoted cousin, Karen Wroan and "sister-friend" Dianne (Geiger) Brooke.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, October 5, 2015 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle, Illinois. Pastor Sandi Graber will officiate. The visitation will be from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. prior to the service. Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the on-line guest book.

Since one of Nancy's great passions in life was supporting the charities and mission work of her family, please consider the opportunity to assist Nancy's great nieces and nephews (Adeline, Amelie and Ethan) in doing mission work in Malawi, Africa next summer. Donations to support the Havens' missions work are tax deductible and checks can be made to "The Grove Church" with "Havens Missions in Malawi" written in the memo. Please send to: 2777 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler, Arizona 85249.