Nancy Welch Howley

Nancy Welch Howley passed peacefully into the waiting arms of her Lord and Savior on April 26, 2024 following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born July 2, 1936 in Wheeling, WV to Jacqueline Potts Welch and George Barkley Welch. After growing up in Wheeling, Nancy went to West Liberty University in West Liberty, WV where she graduated from their Dental Hygiene program.

Nancy and her beloved husband, Chuck, a recent NFL Hall of Fame inductee, were high school sweethearts in Wheeling and married there June 28, 1958, having now celebrated 65 years of marriage. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Chicago when Chuck was drafted to play for the Bears. Dallas became their permanent home in 1961 when Chuck was called to be a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, where Nancy was always his most ardent and vocal fan.

Her winning smile, quick sense of humor, and kind, generous spirit were the hallmarks that defined Nancy. The love of family and friends was her primary focus in life. Aside from a myriad of birthday parties and showers for friends, Nancy was the quintessential hostess. She and Chuck gave many elegant dinner parties both in their home in Dallas and at their beautiful East TX ranch.

Nancy was also a formidable opponent on the tennis court, a game she enjoyed playing for many years at both Bent Tree and Brookhollow Country Clubs. Nancy was always ready for some competition at the card table, whether the game was bridge, Hand and Foot or Onze. When she and Chuck went to Las Vegas, Nancy couldn’t wait to try her luck at the Black Jack table where she enjoyed many a winning night. While Nancy had many community involvements, she particularly enjoyed the Dallas Woman’s Club, Marianne Scruggs Garden Club and her close involvement with her Cowboy Wives group.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents, sister Joan Kaltenbach and her husband Bill, as well as brother-in-law's Ed Evanko and Lee C. Paull III.

She is survived by her loving husband Chuck; son Scott Howley and

wife Emily; daughter Robin Fabik and husband Steve; sisters Mary Kay Evanko and June Paull III of Wheeling, WV; grandchildren Sarah Howley, Anna Howley, Rebecca Fabik, Steven Fabik and wife Hailey, and Courtney Fabik; as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family is deeply grateful and filled with love for Nancy’s amazing caretakers, Phillip Washington, Jarrad Carter and Cynthia Stanford.

Devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, sister, aunt and loyal friend, Nancy will be dearly missed by all who knew her.