Nancy Helen Deighton, 81, died peacefully on July 8, 2022 with her friend Bettye Petersen beside her.
Nancy was born in Great Bend, Kansas on July 19, 1940 to the late Edwin Merten (Jr.) and Joanna Louise (Allen) Merten. After her father’s passing, Nancy’s mother remarried Deleverne (Del) Spencer Deighton (Sr. Master Sgt., US Air Force) who legally adopted Nancy and her brother James Edwin Deighton (Deceased).
Nancy graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a master’s degree in Education. She taught high school and college level physical education. Nancy enjoyed teaching, as well as watching sports – especially the Chicago teams. Nancy also loved to travel and visit state parks with her favorite four-legged friend, Murphy. More so, she loved the Lord and while traveling in Israel, she was baptized in the Jordon River. She was a faithful member of Willow Creek Church (Huntley) and served on the Greeter Team.
She is survived by her half-brother Larry Deighton, and nephews Patrick, Anthony, Jeffrey, and sister-in-law Florence Deighton, all who reside in Oklahoma. Nancy’s celebration of life memorial will be privately held in Oklahoma.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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So sorry to hear about Nancy's passing. Sending my sympathy and prayers to her friends and family!
Nancy will be remembered for her smile and adventurous spirit. My fondest memory is hiking to the top of Diamondhead with her and Chris. She will be missed. Condolences and prayers to family and friends.
I enjoyed working with Nancy. She was a good friend and a good person. Prayers to her and her family.
I always enjoyed my association with Nancy. She always had a smile and words of wisdom for teachers.
I was so honored to have been able to call Nancy my friend. She was a sweet, fun loving Christian. R.I.P. Nancy and see you on the other side.
I enjoyed working with Nancy. She encouraged students to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. My condolences to her family and friends.
Nancy was a wonderful, kind, thoughtful generous neighbor and friend, for nearly eighteen years. I have so many memories to hold on to. One year she brought me an Easter basket. No one in my entire life ever gave me an Easter basket. No one. It was my very first. I will never forget her. I look forward to seeing her in Heaven. Her smile is brightening Heaven.
RIP Nancy I enjoyed our friendship and especially our TACO lunches! You had a great sense of humor and were a pleasure to know. My deepest sympathy to all family and friends.
It was a pleasure working with Nancy and I am saddened by her passing. She will be missed
It was a pleasure working with Nancy and I am saddened by her passing. She will be missed
I never saw Nancy without a smile on her face at Addison Trail HS. I especially enjoyed when Nancy would join us for our early morning basketball games before 1st period. Bless you Nancy for all the lives you touched and in all the ways you made the world a better place. Prayers for Nancy's family and friends.
I first met Nancy when she was the fencing coach at Illinois State University in the early seventies. She was an excellent teacher who cared about her students. Little did I know at that time, we would become coworkers and life long friends. Nancy loved the Lord and cared deeply about her friends and family. I will always cherish the memories of times together, holidays, trips, dog walking, our years in DelWebb, and just everyday visits. She was a dear friend.
We were so sorry to lose you Nancy. I remember so many great times over the many years of being friends. I remember Cinder and Murphy and how well you took care of them. I remember your 60 th birthday party drinking margaritas. All the numerous trips were fun together -Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, and Florida to name a few. RIP our dear Christian friend. Sue
Nancy was apart of the Silver Glen community where I work front desk. Whenever she would come to the front desk on her way out or in, I would say “Nancy! You always look so wonderful!” And she would smile her great smile. She will be so missed.
Always remember Nancy with a smile and pleasant talking soft voice. The last time I saw her was several years ago in Venice Florida with the Addison Trail teachers gathering. My sympathy to her family.
I enjoyed working with Nancy. She encouraged students to exercise their minds as well as their bodies. My condolences to her family and friends.
My condolences go out to Nancy’s family. I enjoyed the time teaching together at Addison Trail as well as the many social get togethers outside of school. Nancy always had a smile and a kind word to others.
My condolences go out to Nancy’s family. I enjoyed the time teaching together at Addison Trail as well as the many social get togethers outside of school. Nancy always had a smile and a kind word to others.
I’m so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing! She was one of my ISU instructors! May Nancy Rest In Peace!!
Sorry for the loss of another great teacher at ISU. My thoughts are with her family and friends and best friend. Prayers for all of you. Nancy will be greatly missed
It was a pleasure working with Nancy and I am saddened by her passing. She will be missed
I feel a great los at not having made contact with Nancy after our mother Vera passed away, it will most certainly leave a big hole with our family.
Even as she was a child visiting family younger cousins in Great Bend,Ks, Nancy warmed us with her goodness. We were awed by her bright kindness and impressed with her smartness. As we grew up around the country we knew of her successes. I was & am proud to be part of her family. Jessie Rose
Ms Degyton you will always be a great memory of strength, endurance and coaching us to the top… thsnkyou and rest n peace with God… bless you and your years of excellence in friendship and coaching to my team members for making us excel