Nancy Harrison Hrobar

Nancy was a unique woman who evolved into many versions of herself, each in turn allowing her to experience life to the fullest and touch many people in a positive way. Born in May of 1945, Nancy was eagerly anticipated and arrived into the loving hands of her adoptive parents, Howard and Afton Harrison, soon after her birth. Nancy spent her childhood in Vernal and Roosevelt, Utah, where her parents ran the local theater and hotel and she learned the value of a good and honest day of work. The family’s franchise hotel business would require moves to San Diego, CA, and Albuquerque, NM. She had the opportunity to travel Europe with her parents and had many great outdoor adventures with them. Nancy attended high school in Albuquerque and received her first college degree from the University of New Mexico, where she met her first husband. In 1968, she had her first child, Miles “Randy” Wiggins. Eventually, Nancy would move to Salt Lake City, UT, with her son and, with the help and support of her parents who helped raise Randy, acquired a business degree from the University of Utah. Soon after, she began her career as a Special Agent for the U.S. Treasury Department.

Nancy trained alongside FBI and ATF agents at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, GA. As one of the first female treasury agents, she was a trail blazer for others to follow. She was transferred to Houston, TX, in the mid-70s and, she and Randy moved there to begin a new life as Texans. Nancy was a single mother who fought crime, raised a child, and became an expert competition pistol shooter. Randy loved to refer to her as his “Pistol Packin’ Mama.” During her time on the shooting range, she met the man who would become her companion and partner in life, Thomas (Tom) Hrobar, who worked for the Houston Police Department. Tom and Nancy married in September of 1981.

Both being tired of big city life, they soon bought a farm and moved to Ben Wheeler, TX. In Van Zandt County, Nancy built an abundant life for herself and her family, making lifelong friends and beautiful memories. Tom worked at the Tyler Police Department and Nancy at the local IRS office as a Treasury Agent. They, also, raised cattle and hay on the farm. In 1985, she had her second son, Harrison Hrobar. Eventually, Nancy would strike out on her own as an entrepreneur, starting an accounting and tax preparation practice that was a going concern all the way up to 2019. For a time, Nancy was a District Bankruptcy Trustee and licensed private investigator.

Nancy joyfully led a life in service to others and did so with distinction as the appointed Van Zandt County Tax Collector and Assessor from 1999-2000 (possibly to the chagrin of residents who must have had a heck of a time trying to pronounce her name). Nancy was actively involved in local politics and served on several Republican candidate election committees though the years and an active member of the NRA.

Nancy was not only tough and smart; she was creative and talented, and her hands were rarely idle. Nancy enjoyed sewing, knitting, and crafting. She was a member of the Texas Quilt Guild and won many ribbons for her quilts. She, also, enjoyed being a member of the Red Hat Society and playing with “The Domino Girls.”

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Afton Harrison, and her brother Robert (Bob) Harrison. She leaves behind her husband Thomas Hrobar and two sons: Harrison Hrobar of Ben Wheeler, TX; and Randy, his wife Adrienne, and grandchildren Zane Wiggins and Josephine Smith of Austin, TX. All are grateful for the beautiful memories created with this wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother.

Nancy was a child of God and a member of Word of Victory Church in Canton, TX. She believed in the promise of our Savior Jesus Christ and is, no doubt, in heaven waiting with open arms for her family and friends to join her in peace when their time on earth is done.

God bless and hold you, Nancy.