Nancy M. Echols

Nancy M. Echols, age 89, of Topeka, passed away Friday, September 25, 2020 at the Aldersgate Village in Topeka.  Nancy was born October 22, 1930 in Lawrence, Kansas the daughter of Frank and Rose (Zollner) Martin.  She was preceded in death by her brother, George Martin, and her son, Martin Echols.

She graduated from Topeka High School before receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from Washburn University in Topeka.  She went on to receive her Master’s degree in Management from the University of Kansas in 1976.

She married Harry “Gene” Echols on April 1, 1960 and recently celebrated their 60 ^th wedding anniversary before Gene passed away on June 29, 2020.  They lived together at their home, which was originally built by Gene and his father, in Oakland for over 55 years.  Nancy loved her house and the enormous garden nurtured by her and Gene for many years.  She was a fantastic cook who insisted on making a homemade dinner virtually every night after working all day, as well as cooking for most holiday meals, using recipes handed down by her mother.  In addition to tending to her garden with Gene, she enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, refurbishing old chests, and simply sitting on her deck.  In her younger years, Nancy and Gene loved to go camping, often taking their children as far north as Saskatchewan, Canada in the summer for fishing.  Nancy was an excellent water skier as well.

Nancy worked for the State of Kansas for over 43 years, starting at an entry level position before finally being appointed as the Director of Personnel Services by Governor Joan Finney in 1991.  Nancy was the consummate professional and was respected by all who knew her and worked for her.  Among other professional accomplishments, Nancy served on the initial board of directors for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.

Nancy was also a hot air balloon pilot.  Her love of ballooning began in the late 1970s when the Huff & Puff Balloon Rally would launch hot air balloons from the grounds of the Kansas State Capitol building.  Together with Gene, they owned and flew hot air balloons for almost three decades, making numerous friends and a lifetime of memories in the process.

Nancy is survived by her son, Clint Echols of Pearland, Texas; her stepson, Scott Anderson of Lawrence, Kansas; and her stepdaughter Nancy Parsons of Evergreen, Colorado.  She has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Private inurnment for Nancy will be at the Mt. Hope Cemetery in Topeka, alongside her husband Gene and her son Martin.  A joint Memorial and Celebration of Life Service for both Nancy and Gene will be held at Davidson Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. on October 15, 2020. In lieu of flowers or similar gifts, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka or Always and Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary in Spring Hill, Kansas ( https://alwaysandfurever.love/donate/ ). Donations can be made directly or sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home.