Nancy Kaye Crook

 Nancy Kaye Crook peacefully left this earth with her family surrounding her on January 27, 2019. She was the fourth child born to Dennis and Nora Anderson, March 19, 1947 in Panama, Oklahoma where she was also raised.  Nancy graduated from Panama High School-Class of ‘65. She had life-long friends from school that she remained close with to this day. After high school, Nancy attended Mellie’s Beauty College, receiving her cosmetology license. She was the new, young hairdresser that all the ladies wanted doing their hair.   Nancy met Robert Michael Crook and they dated for a year before marrying November 9, 1966. When they got married they didn’t tell her parents. They just went back to their respective homes after their vows at the courthouse.

          Mike and Nancy had three children, Trena, Tracy and Michael.  Nancy was a stay-at-home mom and house wife, raising the kids. She coached the girls' softball teams, was a Brownie leader and stayed very involved in her children’s lives. She also continued doing hair at her beauty shop when the family moved to Monroe.  Later in life, Nancy went to work for Trane in Ft. Smith when Mike’s health got bad and he had to have surgery.  Mike and Nancy were married almost 50 years when Mike passed away February 2016. She was the consummate caregiver for our Dad.

Nancy was a huge San Antonio Spurs fan but enjoyed watching all of the NBA games. During basketball season, you could find her in front of the TV cheering on her favorite players. She was also an all-time Dallas Cowboys fan.  Every year she planted a big garden and always looked forward to fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, squash and okra to fry.  Nancy enjoyed sewing; making a lot of her kid’s clothes when they were young. She loved making quilts and bedspreads for the kids, grandkids and great grandkids. 

Most recently, Nancy volunteered at the Sugarloaf Food Pantry where she was able to work alongside long-time friend, shopping partner and confidant, Marty Davis.  Nancy also made meaningful connections with those she worked with and came into contact with.   Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Crook; her three siblings, Doris Inge, Pat King, David Anderson and her parents.   

 She is survived by her daughters Trena Kitchens and husband Gary, Tracy Crook; son Michael Crook; grandchildren, Katrina, Kayla, Shauna and Chelsea; great granddaughters, Faith, Lilly and Elizabeth; special nephew Patrick Ledbetter as well as many, many friends.

A memorial service will be held 1 pm, Saturday, February 2, 2019 at Evans Miller Funeral Home.  Please come dressed in blue, Nancy’s favorite color, as we celebrate her life.

Nancy's children would like to extend their gratitude to Dr.'s Samir Patel, Charles Moussalem, Varant Arzoumanian for the care given to Nancy over the past year as well as the staff at Heart of Hospice; particularly Brandi Anderson and Donna Nelson, who helped us to carry out her wishes to the very end.