Nancy Ellis Matheny

Nancy Matheny, equally at home in the realm of family law or propagating her beautiful flowers and plants, died on January 18 at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas, from complications of a stroke suffered in November. She was 72.

Nancy Ellis Matheny was born in Stuttgart, Germany, on February 25, 1949, to Arthur J. Matheny and Martha G. Matheny. Her father, a career Army Officer, was stationed in West Germany following WW II. During Nancy’s childhood, home alternated between Army Posts in the US and Military Installations in Europe.

She studied history and art at Oklahoma State University, following a family tradition of OSU higher education. After graduating, Nancy would make Dallas her lifelong home. Shortly after moving to Dallas, Nancy joined a nationally recognized leader in family law -- Raggio & Raggio, PLLC. She would remain there until her death.

In her profession, Nancy’s was known for her ability to listen without being judgmental, to foster a prevailing sense of calm and for having a great sense of humor – all of which were appreciated by colleagues and clients alike. During her 41 years at Raggio and Raggio, no one recalls a single acrimonious exchange between Nancy and any of the attorneys, employees or clients -- she accepted people and events for who and what they were.

Along with her brother, Michael Matheny (Cindy) of Nashville, Tennessee, she is survived by her nieces, Teri Matheny of Richardson, Texas, and Marilee Bushnell (William); great-nephew, Will Bushnell, and great-niece; Kate Bushnell, of Columbia, Missouri.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, February 26, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.