Pawnee — Nancy Ruth (Dickey) Oliver, 81, of Pawnee, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at The Villas Senior Care Community in Sherman. Nancy was born Sept. 30, 1944, in Springfield, the daughter of David W. and Claris R. Ford Dickey Sr. She married Renee L. Oliver on June 18, 1966, at Pawnee United Methodist Church in Pawnee. She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Christopher Aumiller, in 2020; her brother, Dean Dickey, in 2019; and several aunts and uncles.

Nancy was a member of Pawnee Christian Church. She graduated from Pawnee High School in 1962 and Milliken University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She completed her registered nurse training at Decatur Memorial Hospital. She also served as the student health nurse with Lincoln Land Community College's Health Services.

Nancy worked as a nursing supervisor at Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, where two of her children were born. After returning to central Illinois, she continued her calling as a nurse at St. John's Hospital and in several physicians' offices in Springfield from 1972–79. Being a registered nurse was one of the most meaningful and defining parts of her life, and she cared for others with deep compassion and unwavering dedication.

Nancy loved spending time with her family and friends and was devoted to helping others in her church and community. When called upon, she shared her musical gifts by playing the piano or organ at Pawnee United Methodist Church for 40 years, and she graciously played for countless weddings and funerals throughout the Pawnee area. Her faith was central to her life, and she lived it out in quiet, meaningful ways — one of which was serving as president of the Pawnee Food Pantry, where she worked tirelessly to support local families in need.

Nancy is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Renee Oliver, of Pawnee; three sons, Kenton L. (wife, Renee Lyons) Oliver of Springfield, Christopher D. (wife, Michelle) Oliver of Athens and Sean R. Oliver of Pawnee; five grandchildren, Amber, Abbie, Alexander, Isabella and Claire Oliver; four brothers, David W. (wife, Lois) Dickey Jr. of Rochester, Ron W. (wife, Lois) Dickey of Skytop, Pennsylvania, Dennis L. (wife, Sally) Dickey of Chatham and Steve D. (wife, Kathy) Dickey of Powers Lake, Wisconsin; two aunts, Dorothy (Babe) Seppi and Blanche Monahan; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Nancy's family will meet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Pawnee Christian Church at 1200 Rutledge St. in Pawnee. An additional visitation will be held at 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Pawnee Christian Church, with Rev. David Swihart officiating. Burial will follow at Stout Cemetery in Chatham.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Food Pantry, P.O. Box 304, Pawnee, IL 62558.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Nancy Oliver. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.