Nancy Marie Hedges, dear to the hearts of many, died October 28, 2022, at the age of 99. She was born in Reno, Nevada on September 30, 1923 to Rudolph and Henrietta Herz and was accompanied by a twin sister, Patricia. The family included four boys: James, Robert, Homer, and Thomas.
Nancy went to school in Reno and attended the University of Nevada at Reno. She graduated in 1945 with a bachelor’s degree. She married Weldon Hedges in 1948. They bought a dairy farm at Fallon in 1957. Nancy would spend the next 65 years of her life on the farm. Both Nancy and Weldon loved the 80 acre farm and life as farmers. Nancy was one of the first middle- aged women who went to work after starting a family. The idea of women working outside the home was just beginning to be accepted in the 60’s. Nancy returned to UNR in 1962-1963 commuting daily to obtain her elementary teaching certificate.
Nancy began her teaching career in the fall, 1963. She would teach either first or second grade over the next 22 years. She was a dedicated teacher with a real love and concern for each of her students and they in turn loved her. Her students enjoyed an intense and varied
program with many well planned projects. They were always looking forward to something. Plays, field trips, and creative projects were part of her teaching. In 1981 Nancy was elected Churchill County Teacher of the Year. Statewide, she was one of the top five finalists.
Nancy was interested in making education better and served on numerous school committees. She was active in the Churchill County Education Association holding all major offices including President. She was on the negotiations team for six years. Her efforts were recognized as the recipient of the Distinguished Service award in 1978.
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) was the civic organization in which she was most active for over 50 years becoming an honorary life member. She held all the offices and various committee chairpersons in the Fallon organization. Nancy was selected as Churchill County AAUW woman of the year in 1984 and 1999.
Nancy was a Christian and a faithful member of our local Methodist Church. She was active in
many facets of the church including the United Methodist Women and the Sunday school program. Nancy was a reader and the library loved her. For years Nancy was a bridge player and enjoyed many a game with friends and AAUW members.
Nancy listened to her children and was supportive of her children’s goals and worked with her husband, Weldon, to give them opportunities to make their lives fulfilling and successful. She was a kind, helping person with a smile. In her life journey she touched many people in a positive way.
Predeceased in death by her husband and her siblings.
Nancy is survived by her five children: Marilyn Hedges-Hiller (Sharon), Daniel Hedges (Donna), Paul Hedges,Rebecca Taber (Victor), Bill Hedges (Kristi) and three grandchildren: David Hiller, Eric Taber, Jackson Hedges and three great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held Wednesday, November 30th at 2 p..m. at Epworth
United Methodist Church, 280 E. Stillwater, Fallon. Donations in lieu of arrangements may be made to the Churchill County Library, 553 S. Maine St., Fallon or AAUW c/o Carol Roeder,
2928 Peach Tree RD, Fallon