Nancy Marie Volke

Nancy Marie Volke, longtime Moses Lake resident, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 24th, 2011 at Samaritan Hospital. She was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends - and more love than she ever could have imagined. She was 75. Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories. Please sign the book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com

Nancy was the first of two children and was born on August 29th, 1935 in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Marie and Richard Schmidt. Nancy attended St. Charles Academy, where she played basketball and was lovingly teased by her friends, because she was quite tall compared to her classmates.

Nancy married Robert 'Bob' Volke on January 6th, 1955. Life in the Air Force had them moving all over the country. She and Bob had six children: Patricia Anne and James Michael were born in Lake Charles, LA; Robert, Jr. was born in Springfield, MA; David Gerard was born at Whiteman AFB, MO; Richard Allen was born in Moses Lake, WA; Susan Marie was born in Riverside, CA.

In a letter from her loving husband to the children, written in 1989: "Your mom has been the glue that has molded us and the one who has endured the most, so always show her the love she really deserves." She was a selfless wife and mother, giving everything she could to her family so they never realized when times were bad. Nancy wrote to one of her daughter's years ago on the subject of love: "To me, love is a gift you give someone. It has no strings attached, it can't be bought, traded for, sold and it isn't turned off and on like a water faucet because you are hurt or angry or displeased by that person. Love is caring, compassion, giving and taking (not always 50-50), it's being there, accepting that persons faults, it's understanding, being honest and love should always grow..."

Nancy attended Big Bend Community College and received her degree in nursing, leading to a twenty-two year career as an LPN at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, WA. During her time as an OB nurse, she welcomed 13,997 newborns into the world with tender arms and unconditional love.

Nancy retired in October 1997 and spent her time enjoying her dogs, flower gardening, cross-stitching and watching the birds visit the numerous feeders in her backyard. She was an avid Seattle Mariners fan and loved to watch figure skating. Nancy was also quite the adventurer in her retirement years. She tried skiing in Idaho, white water rafting on the Yakima River as well as snorkeling and boogie boarding in Hawaii. She embraced these exploits with laughter and smiles.

Nancy is predeceased by her husband, Robert and brother Richard Schmidt. She is survived by her sister-in-law Margaret and nieces; daughter Patricia Stribling and her husband Neil, son James Volke and his fiancée Gretta Bailey, son Robert Volke, Jr., son David Volke and his fiancée Rebecca Sakarias, son Richard Volke and his wife Jill, and daughter Susan McElmurry and son-in-law Douglas; her grandchildren Deidra, David, Eric, Anne, Jennifer, Griffin, Aiden, Meagan, Julienne and Ian; and her great-grandchildren Judah, Piper, Natalie and Sawyer; loved ones Cheri Volke and Diva Volke. Nancy also left behind dear friends Bev Laam and Lucy Messer.

Her family would like to thank her very special friends, Joan and Bill Frank and family, for their love, care and devotion over the years. Nancy talked with them every day and they were always there for her in whatever she needed.

Nancy's family would also like to thank the nurses and doctors at Samaritan Hospital, many of whom worked with Nancy over the years, for their outstanding show of compassion, empathy and love during her time in the SCU.

At Nancy's request, there will not be a memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the animal shelter of your choice.