Nancy Kay (Berendzen) Whitney

Nancy Kay (Berendzen) Whitney, 70, of Ponca City, Oklahoma passed away Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.  She was born March 6,1954 in Tuscumbia, Missouri the daughter of the late Jake and Laverne (Morff) Berendzen. 

Nancy graduated from Eugene HS in 1972 and went to work for Missouri in the mailroom.  She continued her education at Lincoln and Springfield graduating in 1976 with an Accounting degree and began work as an Auditor for Missouri.  In 1981 she moved to Ponca City, OK to begin work for Conoco in the oil production accounting division. 

She made many friends there.  Her backyard was a place where friends gathered on the weekends.  They also enjoyed time at Kaw Lake and Lake Ponca.

One of the friends she met was Paul Whitney.  They fell in love and were married on July 20, 1996.  It was 106 degrees in Ponca City and one of the two AC units in St. Mary's Catholic Church broke before the service began.  Everyone that attended the wedding remembers it.

Nancy retired early in March 2004 due to Conoco being bought by Phillips 66.  Phillips 66 realized they needed her knowledge so they brought her back.  She retired a second time in 2006, the same year her husband retired.

The couple enjoyed frequent trips to Mary's Home to visit family and friends.  They really enjoyed the time spent on the Osage River with Larry and Janice Belt.  They enjoyed trips all over the country but especially enjoyed stays along the beach.   The goal on each trip was to get family and friends to go with them or join them later at their vacation rental.  The bigger the group the more fun.

Nancy and Paul did everything together - Elks Lodge duties, volunteer work and fun activities.  Once when they drove up one of their young nephews announced "NANCYPAUL IS HERE".

Nancy and Paul purchase a cabin in Missouri so they could spend more time here, near family.

The couple really enjoyed their retirement years until in 2021, while in South Padre Nancy went into septic shock.  The infection also severely damaged her heart, shut down other organs and caused 3 strokes.  The odds were against Nancy surviving.  After 4 months in Texas hospitals, including robotic heart surgery at St. Luke's in Houston, Nancy was able to return to Missouri.  Nancy worked hard for 6 months in outpatient therapy.  Nancy was able to regain her independence but she could no longer drive, something she really enjoyed.  She was also on a very restrictive diet so she could not eat and drink many of the things she liked.  It amazed her husband that she never complained; not even about his attempts to prepare diet compliant meals.  Nancy and Paul continued to enjoy life but at a little slower pace.

Nancy loved time spent with family and friends.  She will be missed when we gather

Nancy is survived by Paul Whitney her husband of 28 years. Other survivors include siblings, Cathy Klindt (Freddy), Eugene, MO; Darrell Berendzen (Kathy), Jefferson City, MO; Brenda Rush (John), Eugene, MO; Sheri Koestner (Todd), Russellville, MO; brother-in-law, Larry Belt, Henley, MO; sister-in-law, Betty Berendzen, Eugene, MO; sister-in-law, Debbie Berendzen, Holts Summit, MO; brother-in-law, Mark Whitney (Linda), Houston, TX; sister-in-law, Pam Schwager (Bruce), Edmond, OK; and numerous nieces & nephews

She was proceeded in death by her parents Jake and Laverne Berendzen, four brothers, Kenneth, David, Harry and Mitch Berendzen, and a sister, Janice Belt. 

Rosary to be prayed Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 9:00 AM at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church with a Mass beginning at 10:00 AM with Rev. Simon Kanyike officiating.  A Celebration of Life and meal will follow at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Center.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.  (2 Tim 4:6).  In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials in her name are suggested to Our Lady of the Snows Catholic School; 276 Hwy H, Eugene, MO 65032

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Phillips Funeral Home of Eldon, MO. 

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