Obituary of Nancy Ann Cleavinger

Nancy Ann Cleavinger (nee Schoonover), passed away on April 20, 2019. She was born September 30, 1928 in Topeka, KS. She attended the Topeka Schools and Kansas State University where she studied economics and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. While in college she met “the man she wanted to marry”, an aspiring architect, Joseph Kay (“Kay”) Cleavinger, of Manhattan, KS. They were married on September 16, 1950, and moved to Moberly in early 1952 where Kay practiced architecture for many years. Kay preceded her in death in 2012, and the two are survived by four sons, Kal (Ibolya), Marc (Lisa), Scott and Peter; eight grandchildren, Matthew, Kristin, Abigail, Caroline, Mary, Henry, Elizabeth and Kalina; and, seven great-grandchildren, Sydney, Molly, Hadley, Laney, Bryn, Camden and Casen. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Hal Cleavinger, and the four children of her sister-in-law, Ann. Nancy was an only child who likely never imagined she would end up with a house full of boys and no girls. Between the many trips to sporting events and the emergency room, she led a very active social life, and contributed her time to such groups as the PTA, the PEO organization and others. Her interests included reading, cooking, fashion, gardening and collecting artwork. But above all else, she loved her family, and that love spilled over. Nancy was known by so many as a genuinely gracious woman, full of love, laughter and kindness. People were drawn to Nancy when they needed guidance, or simply a friend to talk to, and her caring nature always sparkled brightly in her eyes. Strong and wise, she would always carefully guide with the gentlest of touch. Quick wit, wise spirit. It was not uncommon for her boys to come home and find one of their own friends had stopped by to enjoy the glow of Nancy’s company. She tried to make everyone around her feel better about themselves, their lives. In this she succeeded beautifully, and though this sweet, precious bird has flown, she will be remembered as someone who truly wanted others to soar as well. A memorial visitation celebrating Nancy’s life will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Pathway Memorial Funeral Home. A private inurnment will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions in Nancy’s honor are suggested to Friends of the Park Foundation, 109 N Clark St, Moberly, MO 65270.