Obituary of Nancy Kathleen Bill

Nancy Kathleen Bill (nee) Green was born in Chicago, IL to parents George Washington Joseph Green and Betty Lenore Green (nee) Foreman. The eldest daughter of seven children, she was born August 31st 1943 while her father was away serving in the Marines in the Pacific theater on Guadalcanal. The first time they met was VE Day May 8th 1945. She grew up with her family in Lombard, IL and attended St. Alexander Elementary and graduated from St Francis High School in 1961. She met the love of her life, Ralph E Bill, on a blind date which led to a marriage that would endure 51 years. They welcomed into their world Daughter Cindy in 1963 and Son David in 1967. The family lived in Elmhurst, IL and in August 1977 the family moved to Bemidji, MN. Nancy was always ambitious and in Chicago she held several secretarial positions while raising the children. When the family moved to Minnesota, Nancy began working in a sales position for KKBJ radio in Bemidji. Moving on from there she decided to venture into the world of jewelry. Nancy became a certified gemologist and worked for one of the local jewelry retailers. She expanded in this role and moved to the Twin City area in the early 1980's. Returning to Bemidji in 1982 she entered into her nonprofit career where she found her true calling and her passion. She started in a regional position with the American Cancer Society (ACS) based in Bemidji. In 1984, Nancy accepted a position for ACS in the Twin City area and relocated there. She continued her success in fund raising for ACS until 1989 when she accepted a position for the American Diabetes Association (ADA), relocating to Milwaukee, WI. There for nearly 10 years, she continued to make a great impact in fundraising before relocating to Tucson, AZ in 2004 where she decided to take on a reduced role as she contemplated retirement. Finding this was not as fulfilling as she hoped; Nancy took another step in her career in 2005 and accepted a position with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, relocating to Washington DC. In 2006, Nancy then relocated to Salt Lake City and continued to excel in fund raising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation as an Executive Director in the SLC area. Nancy finally retired in January 2010 and relocated to Tucson AZ. In each position Nancy held in non-profit fundraising, she dedicated her talents, skills and abilities to the individuals and families affected by such diseases. Her passion toward charity and giving back helped her tap into the talents, skills and abilities of others to volunteer to help those in need. Nancy cared so deeply for others. This strong character helped her to care for her ailing husband over the last three years. Nancy stood by his side, tending to his needs, for better or for worse, as she promised more than 50 years ago. She never wavered in her love, loyalty and commitment to her husband. Nancy lost her strong man in August of 2013. We believe her spirit and her heart missed him greatly. Preceded in death by her Husband, Ralph, her Mother, Betty (nee) Foreman, infant sister Patricia and Step-Mother Yvonne (nee) Armstrong. Nancy Kathleen is survived by Daughter Cindy Ecklund (Bruce), Granddaughter Laurin, Son David Bill (Susan), Grandson Austin, Granddaughter Hailey, her Father George J. Green, Sisters, Constance, Susan (Linc) and Joyce (Steve), Brothers, Daniel (Beth) and Mark, Step-Sister Jackie (Bill)McCormick, Step Brothers Mark (Mica) and Chris (Lori), Brothers-in-Law, Richard (Leah), Joe (Carolyn), Tom (Laura), many Aunts, Uncles, Nephews, Nieces, Cousins and dear Friends, too many to mention. Let us not forget the many individuals she touched throughout her journey of life, so many unknown to us today. Nancy loved her Family, especially treasuring her three grandchildren. They will miss her deeply. The Bill Family wishes to thank the incredible and caring Doctors and Nursing Staff of the Tucson Medical Center, Northwest Medical Center and the Organ Donor Network of AZ. We are pleased to share that Nancy was a registered organ donor. Due to this gift of choice, 20 individuals benefited. A Celebration of Nancy's life will be held on February 1st 2014 in St. Louis, MO. Please SAVE THE DATE. Details to follow. Memorials preferred to the charities Nancy gave her heart and soul to: American Cancer Society American Diabetes Association Cystic Fibrosis Foundation