Obituary of Nancy Kampf

Nancy Lee Kampf was born to John and Cecilia Ardrey on October 11, 1941 in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. Nancy attended her school years here in Cheyenne Wells from grade school through high school. She was raised on the family farm south of Cheyenne Wells were she learned her good work ethic that carried her through the rest of her life. At a very young age Nancy would sit on the counter and watch her mother cook, as her mother would add ingredients Nancy would ask “what you doin”… She cooked her first full course meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and a vegetable with dessert at around 11 years of age. Nancy helped outside on the family farm as she learned to drive tractor, milk cows, and do all the farm chores. While babysitting for Billy Dale and Lucille Miller in 1953 she met their hired man Henry (Hank) Kampf. And in 1958 she married this man. Their love affair lasted almost 55years. To this union 4 children were born. Henry Arthur Kampf Jr, was born July 25, 1959. Serena Lee Ann, August 12, 1961, Michelle Renae, July 31, 1962, and Shirley Mae, January 8, 1964. From the barefoot, toe headed little girl that could run like the wind, to the lovely young lady meeting her true love and soul mate, Hank, as a young teen, to having their 4 children, to helping with grandchildren and even the great grandchildren. Nancy was seldom still “Always Working!” Nancy made any house a comfy home. She kept their home spotless always. Being good in the kitchen, some favorites too many was fried chicken and wonderful cinnamon rolls, being able to come up with a good meal no matter what. Some of the recipes Nancy used have been handed down from generation to generation. She took pride in putting a good meal on the table, no one ever left her home hungry. She could put a meal out on an old cook range as good as she could on her stove. She was good at anything she ever did. Some remember her singing on T.V. Channel 10 out of Goodland, Kansas, she put her family over her singing career even though she was offered a recording contract with Columbia records along with her brother Fred Ardrey, but her family came first. She loved gardening, and flowers, she could grow anything, and many saw her take bare ground and turn it into a beautiful yard. What fun she had playing board games, often getting a little wild and crazy… Nancy treasured time with Hank, loved her children and found pleasure sharing time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved family gathering with their family, as well as the extended families. She reminded many of us of a real pioneer woman. She had a fun, favorite character she played, Dirty Sally! Lots of fun memories were made around that character. From horseback riding, herding cattle, truck driving, to home decorating and Fabulous Meals – She was the REAL DEAL! We love her and we’ll always remember her as a very special, one of a kind person with a streak of ornery, and my way attitude. One never had to ask how they stood with her she said it like it was and really didn’t care if you didn’t like it. She was one of the most realistic and brave people ever. Nancy never met a stranger; she could talk to anyone and did A LOT… She was very straight forward, we heard more than once, I’m not here to please you, I’m not in a popularity contest. She had some crazy sayings, some too numerous to mention others – we can’t! She will be missed by all who knew her, especially her smile… Nancy was preceded in death by her mother and father, granddaughter Brassie Kampf, daughter-in-law Dixie Kampf and brothers; Fred and Floyd Ardrey and John Kampf. Nancy is survived by Hank her husband of 54 years, her sister Joan Kibee of Bullhead City, Arizona, Bonnie (Leonard) Drumm of Olney Springs, Colorado, Alice (Norman) Akers of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, Betty Lou Kenney of Grand Junction, Colorado, Donna Kampf of Grand Junction, Colorado. Her children; Butch (Sue) Kampf of Grand Junction, Colorado, Serena Hendrickson of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, Michelle Kampf of Centrilia, Washington, Shirley Kampf (Dan) Garton of Casper Wyoming and all ALL she considered her own. Nancy is survived by 11 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Nancy L. Kampf died unexpectedly on August 3, 2013 at University of Colorado Hospital in Denver, Colorado due to Leukemia complications.