Nancy Jane Knight Bruckerhoff, of Osage Beach, daughter of Othel Clarence and Mary Virginia (Dowell) Knight was born November 13, 1949, in Buffalo, MO. She departed this life on May 3, 2024, at the age of 74 years after a sudden illness.
She grew up in the Caffeyville area and attended rural Bacon and Dry and Dusty Schools, graduating from Lebanon High School. Her family attended Liberty Freewill Baptist Church growing up and she was baptized in the Niangua River alongside her siblings. Nancy married Roy Allison and welcomed two children, Sheila Jane and Stephen Kenneth.
She began working at The Carpet Shoppe in Lebanon in the 1970’s. After years of traveling and selling in the Lake area, she opened her own business, Nancy’s Carpet Centre in Osage Beach, later joining the Carpet One franchise. For over 33 years, she was the premier flooring supplier in the Lake area. In total, Nancy was in the flooring business over 45 years.
An entrepreneur, she thrived in what was typically considered a man’s world of business. That success enabled her to experience the world, winning trips to China, Japan, Australia, Hawaii, Alaska, Nova Scotia and the Bahamas. The little country girl from the one-room school house in Caffeyville got to see and experience places she’d only dreamed about! She shared that success with her community and was very generous to many area non-profits and individuals in need.
Nancy enjoyed travel, shopping, boating, plants, working in her yard and making her home beautiful, especially at Christmas. She loved to entertain and share her home with family and friends. Her favorite times were those surrounded by her children and grandchildren and her favorite name was given to her by her grandchildren, Nonie.
Those left behind to mourn her loss are her husband, Duane Bruckerhoff, of the home; daughter Sheila Murrell Wood of Camdenton; son Stephen (Margo) Allison of St. Charles; siblings: Gloria Pearcy Mount of Lebanon and Patty (Delbert) Butler, of Rolla, sister-in-law: Sherry Knight, of Conway; stepsons Greg (Renee) Bruckerhoff, Scott (Kim) Bruckerhoff, Andy (Sherri) Bruckerhoff, Mark (Danielle) Bruckerhoff, all of the Wentzville area, Anthony (Christa) Westhusing, of Linn Creek and Andrea Westhusing, of Nixa. Her grandchildren: Trevan Shane Murrell, Trace Stephen Murrell, Allison Brianne Wood, Hayden William Allison, Hayley Marie Allison, Zoe Rose Allison, Rylee Jane Allison, and great grandchild, Angelina Shayne Murrell. Step grandchildren: Zach (Emily) Bruckerhoff and son, August; Lindsey Bruckerhoff (Casey Pennock); Katie (Brian) Howard; Rhett, Kennedy, Grant, and Ashlynn Bruckerhoff, and Cammie Bruckerhoff; Ella and Sophia Westhusing; Logan and Lexie Reynolds; many nieces, nephews and beloved cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, Andrew W. and Anna Margaret (Whitson) Knight and Joe Lee and Jessie Rilda (Line) Dowell; sisters: Shirley Margaret Knight (died in infancy) Leone F. Irvine, Darlene Irvine and Deana Neasby Dort; brothers Ronnie S. Knight, Othel C. Knight, Jr. (Junior), Thomas O. (Tommy); brothers-in-law: Donald Pearcy and Phillip Mount; and son-in-law, Brian Wood.
Nancy will be forever missed, but remembered for her fearlessness, kindness, generosity, loving and nurturing spirit. We are so thankful for the love, laughter and memories she leaves us with.
Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 P.M., Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Shadel’s Colonial Chapel and a memorial for Project 360 Youth Fund has been established.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shadel’s Colonial Chapel of Lebanon.
Sign guest book at www.shadelscolonialchapel.com.
