Obituary of Nancy Ingram

Nancy Earnest Ingram lost her long 6-year battle with cancer on January 21, 2012. She faced unimaginable hurdles and kicked each one of them in the "ass" every day. Nancy profoundly touched every person she met. She had a passion and love for life, combined with an unconquerable sense of humor. She never met a stranger, was a loyal friend, and an incredible wife, mother, sister and grandmother to her family. Family was a major part of Nancy's life and she instilled a sense of family pride and loyalty that her children will carry on throughout their own lives. Over the past six years Nancy not only battled cancer, she also developed speech aphasia that created a very unique "Nancy" language. Because she was a talented writer and Editor, many felt this was a cruel challenge.but not Nancy. She never complained or felt sorry for herself and always put others at ease. And she was ALWAYS funny. With those closest to Nancy, a large number in itself, she never hesitated to share her subtle, yet direct, "Nancy" language, including her favorite curse words. She tackled each new medical challenge with the support of her husband Terry and the combined energy and the strength of their 53-year marriage; the devotion of her amazing children, Ann, John and Joe; and her precious grandchildren, Benjamin, Jackson and Sara. Nancy was born in Shawnee, OK on March 12, 1938, to Morton and Sara Earnest. She grew up in Enid, Oklahoma with her Sister Ann and Brother Phil. Her family owned Earnest Brother's Shoes. As a teenager, Nancy was a model for several local retail merchants and was constantly featured in the daily newspaper and magazines. She was an honor student at Enid High School, a finalist in Oklahoma synchronized swimming in 1955, and was crowned basketball queen that same year. She was also a queen attendant for football and swimming. After graduation, Nancy attended Oklahoma University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority. She then transferred to Iowa State University, and on June 17, 1958, married Terry Ingram. They lived in Iowa for another 8 years before moving back to Oklahoma. Nancy's professional career started when she helped publish the Tulsa Junior League Magazine, "The Gusher". Nancy became the Editor of "Tulsa Home & Garden", which later become "Oklahoma Home & Garden". In 1988, she began a long and successful career as a regional editor for Meredith Publishing of Des Moines, Iowa, generating articles for Better Homes & Gardens", "Traditional Home", "Country Home" and many of their other specialty publications. Her name is still listed on the Masthead of "Traditional Home". Nancy loved the idea of sharing the wonderful homes of Tulsa and Oklahoma with readers all over the world. She most recently published her own book "Country Home" with her dear friend, photographer Jenifer Jordan. She was an integral contributor to two of Charles Faudrees' Books: "Country French Signature" and "Country French Living". Nancy first published Charles Faudree in "Tulsa Home & Garden" in 1977 and they have remained best friends. Nancy's passions included 70 years of family summers spent in Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, a tradition that continues to this day. She and Terry were also expert flea market explorers with weekly visits to the Tulsa Flea Market for over 30 years. Nancy was all about the hunt and the treasure hidden under the table that no one else would spot. In a broader sense, life itself was Nancy's lifelong passion. It was important to her to make special memories for every experience and made sure that tradition was a big part of her family. Whether it was Christmas, summer vacations to Green Mountain Falls, Colorado, birthday parties, thoughtful gifts for friends or to her Grandchildren, there was always a creative flair and uniqueness to Nancy's each and every thought. Later in Life, Nancy and Terry sold their Tulsa home, moved to Cedar Crest and bought two cabins where they created a magical world for their grandchildren. Called "The Camp", Camp Kanu-a-Lota was made for Benjamin, Jackson and Sara. There was a fire pit, plenty of snakes and critters, "The Killing Jar", crafts, hikes, golf cart rides, swimming, cliff-jumping into the river, baby birds to admire, fishing, and parties. Her family was never quite sure, but suspected Nancy created this enchanting world for her own delight as well as for the kids. Not many grandmothers have closets that hold Hermes scarves, Tiffney boxes. and a dead Tarantula pinned on a large piece of styrofoam awaiting the arrival of grandchildren. Nancy died at home, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Terry of Tulsa; three wonderful children; Ann Ingram Hart of Marietta, GA married to Bob Hart, John Earnest Ingram of Evergreen, CO, married to Julie Gilfillan Ingram and Joe Eastman Ingram of Tulsa. Also, she was over the moon for her three grandchildren; Ann's son Benjamin Earnest Hart, 16, and John's two children; Jackson Daniel Ingram, 15, and Sara Elizabeth Ingram, 13. Additionally, Nancy is survived by her Sister Ann Kerr and her husband Bob of Ardmore, OK and Brother Phil Earnest of Walsenburg, CO. The family would particularly like to thank the unfailing dedication and care of Drs. Christine Franden, Yew Cheong Choo, Alan Keller, and Suzanne Stanton and the outpouring of support from friends and family. A Memorial Service is planned for Wednesday, January 25, 2012 @11:30am, at Five Oaks Lodge located at 528 E. 121st Street South in Jenks, OK www.fiveoakslodge.com. A Reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to your favorite charity or: The American Cancer Society or The Mary K. Chapman Center for Communicative Disorders at Tulsa University, 800 South Timber Drive, Tulsa, Ok 74104