Nancy Crighton

Nancy June Collup Crighton, of Willard, Missouri, passed away in her home on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the age of 94.  

Nancy was born May 28, 1930, in Willard, Missouri, to Morris Bouregard and Lacy (Chambers) Collup.  

Nancy and J.M. Crighton were united in marriage on August 11, 1949, and celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary, before J.M.’s passing in September of 2024.

Nancy was a lifelong Willard resident. After high school she attended Drury University and in 1956 began working at the Ozark Empire Fair, eventually becoming the concessions manager in 1968. 

Nancy then went on to become the U.S. Deputy Clerk of Court the Western District of Missouri, Springfield. 

Nancy was also active in her community and church. She was an elder and member of Willard Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church and participated in the women’s ministries. 

Nancy was elected and served as secretary-treasurer of the Springfield Federal Executive Association. She was a member of the Professional Secretaries International Hawthorn Chapter and served as chairperson in 1977 for the Women’s Division of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. 

She was also an officer for the WHS Alumni Association for many years. Nancy was a passionate supporter of the Democratic Party and served as vice-chair of Greene County Democrats. 

Nancy and her husband, J.M., raised their family in Willard, where they built a life full of love and community. They enjoyed traveling together, especially to Postmaster Conventions. 

Nancy was an accomplished seamstress who loved knitting, quilting, and cooking for her family. She also helped on the farm and could drive the tractor when needed.  

Nancy will be fondly remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to those she loved. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her four children: Jim (Marilyn), Ron (Mary), Andy (Nita), and Anne (Roger) Ziehm; ten grandchildren: Candy (Chuck) Dake, Kara (Troy) Smith, Amy (John) Sims, Todd Crighton,  Brad (Courtney) Crighton, Katy (Ryan) O’Malley, Meg (Dave) Thompson, Stephen (Annie) Crighton, Joshua (Alyssa) Ziehm and Matt (Lauren) Ziehm; 18 great-grandchildren: Laynie (Payton), Carson (Audrey), Madison (Cameron), Montana, Jada, Josie (Blake), Ella, Lillian, Taylor, Logan, Jack, Luke, Allie, Finn, Rory, Kent, Isabel, and Abby; two great great-grandchildren, Heidi and Frankie; and many other family and friends.

Nancy is preceded in death by her husband, J.M. Crighton; parents, Bo and Lacy Collup; and infant brother, John.

The family would like to thank caregivers, Teresa Harp, Diana Worthey, Terri Beasley, for their love and care and for the care given by St. Croix Hospice. 

Visitation will be Friday, May 9, 2025, 5 -7 p.m. and service, Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 2 p.m.  

Visitation and service are at Willard Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church, 800 State Highway AB, Willard, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to WCCF (Willard Children’s Charitable Foundation) in honor of Nancy and J.M. Crighton and mailed to Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Ash Grove, MO  65604 or leave at visitation/service.