Nancy Ann Spracher

Nancy grew up in the Yakima Valley. In 1961, while attending nursing school in Spokane, she met and married Larry Frazier. Together they had three children, Larry Jr (1963), Jay (1967), and Susannah (1971). She loved each of her children wholeheartedly.

Compassion was the defining thread of Nancy’s life. Evident in her career, was her devotion to her family and the kindness she extended to everyone she met. She lived with an insatiable curiosity, always eager to learn and grow. Over the years, she called many places home. From Yakima to Portland, Dallas, and San Diego each shaped her with new experiences.

Nancy’s professional journey was as diverse as her interests. She began her career as a nurse but later chose to stay home and raise her children. After moving to Texas, she pursued a passion for art, selling pieces at a gallery in Dallas, a cherished memory. Upon returning to Yakima, she resumed nursing. In her pursuit for personal growth she returned to school at age 50, while working full time, to earn her master’s degree in mental health therapy proving once again you are never too old to learn. She went on to open her private counseling practice. In her heart of hearts these were some of the best and most satisfying years of her life. She touched countless lives with her empathy and wisdom and was forever grateful to do the work which she continued until age 83, a testament to her unwavering passion.

Beyond her professional life Nancy found joy in so many things. She had a love for the arts- whether it was attending the theater, visiting museums or listening to music. She was an avid reader, a self-proclaimed bibliophile. She had a love for travel and created many memories traveling the world- Europe, Africa, Spain and Hawaii to name a few.

For years Nancy also found solace and creativity by starting her mornings meditating and journaling which set the tone for her day. She delighted in trying new recipes. She had a particular fondness for potatoes in any form, loved Mexican food and a well-made mojito. She was always eager to cultivate new skills, whether it was painting, singing, writing or even playing the harmonica. She would think of it and say “why not give it a try" and she would. This is a cherished trait of hers that we will always hold close.

She is survived by her children; Larry, Jay, and Susannah (Tim) Vetsch; her grandchildren Reese Vetsch and Scarlet Stumer; her beloved sisters Linda Brown-Topel-Atwood and Crete Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walt and Anita and grandson, Tyler Hadley. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Heartlinks Hospice and the compassionate staff at Highgate Senior Living.

A service will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 10:00a.m., at Keith and Keith Funeral Home with a reception to follow.

Nancy had a way of reassuring those around her, even in the most difficult of moments. Whenever asked how she was doing, her response was always the same: “I’m good, I’m always good.” Today, more than ever, we hold those words close to our hearts.