Nancy Kay Meier

Nancy Kay Meier, 67, of Tipton, IA, passed away on January 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Friends and loved ones are invited to join the family for a reception at 3:00 PM on Monday, January 27, 2025, at the VFW Post 2537 located at 401 Lemon St. in Tipton, to celebrate Nancy's life. A private visitation, funeral, and graveside service will be held beforehand on Monday, January 27, 2025, for family members only, per Nancy’s wishes. Memorial contributions can be made to the Nancy Meier family. Fry Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Nancy; online condolences, photos, and fond memories may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com.

Thomas Rudolph and Virginia Lee (Robinson) Bena welcomed their daughter, Nancy Kay, into the world on September 30, 1957, in Iowa City, IA. Growing up with her four siblings on the family farm west of Tipton, Nancy learned the value of a loving family, hard work, and integrity. She loved playing games outside with her siblings and adored riding and taking care of her pony. As adults, Nancy and her siblings remained close, antiquing and shopping together, traveling across the country exploring new places, and finding adventures in both big and small moments.

Nancy attended the Tipton Community School District, graduating in 1976. She was a proud member of Tipton High School's inaugural six-on-six basketball team, securing the team's enduring legacy in Tipton's Hall of Fame. Nancy also participated in softball, and track and field.  After high school, she went on to earn her Associate of Arts degree from Kirkwood Community College.

Nancy was well known in the Tipton community. Over the years, she worked for Wabash National Corporation, Theisen’s, CDS, and ACT. She was a realtor and also cleaned for Cedar County Coop, Vision Center, and RPM Revival. Most notably, Nancy was a paraprofessional and school bus driver for the Tipton Community School District. She touched the lives of countless children, always encouraging them to realize their potential and doing what she could to help them along the way.

Of all the roles in Nancy’s life, being a mom to Brian and Jacob was the most cherished, and they were her pride and joy. No matter what, she showed up for them. From when they were little, through the rest of her days, she loved them unconditionally. She pushed them to be their best, teaching them to be hard-working men of integrity and to always finish what they started.

From her sons, Nancy was blessed with seven grandchildren. She cherished time spent with them, whether it was having them over for sleepovers, baking, gardening, or attending their activities such as showing calves for 4-H, dance recitals, basketball games, and more. They were her world, and she meant the world to them.

Nancy will be greatly missed by her sons, Brian (Liz) Meier and Jacob (Erica) Meier; sisters, Sue (Reggie) Swartzendruber, Sally (Tom) Elliot, and Luann (Tony) Loftis; brother, Steve (Lauri) Bena; her seven cherished grandchildren, Macee, Sawyer, McKenna, Owen, Londyn, Emery and Beckham; and many nieces and nephews.  She is reunited with her parents, Thomas and Virginia, and her grandparents.

Nancy Kay Meier was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to her family and community will be remembered by all who knew her. Nancy's commitment to the Tipton Community School District as a paraprofessional and school bus driver touched the lives of countless children, always encouraging them to realize their potential. Her love for flowers and her well-manicured garden and yard reflected her energetic and helpful nature. Described as loving, independent, and having a heart of gold, her spirit lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, and she will be deeply missed.

For those wishing to, flowers may be delivered to Fry Funeral Home before 9:00 AM on Monday morning.