Nancy Jellis, 71
Nancy Louise Jellis, 71, peacefully passed into Heaven on Sunday, May 28, 2023. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2023 at Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church in Brandon, with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Sioux Falls. Her family will be present to greet friends on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at George Boom Funeral Home in Sioux Falls from 5-7 p.m.
Nancy Louise Albers was born on Jan. 31, 1952 in Sioux Falls to Duane and Margaret (Oppold) Albers. She grew up on a farm south of Sioux Falls and completed her K-12 education in Harrisburg, graduating in 1970. Nancy’s childhood on the farm was something she truly enjoyed. he often shared stories of bringing lunch to the men in the field and daily chores where she and her brothers and sisters learned to work hard and enjoy the simple things in life. She was active in high school activities and made dear friends.
Nancy met Terry Dean Jellis while cruising “the loop” and their love story is one that would stand the test of time. Nancy and Terry were united in marriage on July 10, 1972 in Luverne, Minn. The couple made their first home on a farm near Larchwood, Iowa, where they raised a variety of animals, and they were blessed with two children, Jason and Heather. In 1978, the family moved and made their home on a acreage near Rowena.
Nancy had a work ethic that was admired by everyone who knew her. She worked at John Morrell following high school before taking time to raise her children, at the K-Mart then McKennan Hospital. Nancy’s joy of baking was shared with others as she spent many years in the bakery at Econofoods, while also working at Soles Collectibles, then at Volunteers of America until her retirement.
Nancy’s parents, siblings and in-laws were a big part of her life. She always enjoyed planning gatherings and picnics where she would bring famous dishes to share at the many potlucks of the Jellis and Albers families. Several of the most popular were deviled eggs, fruit pizza, sour cream raisin bars and bing cherry bars. She often shared recipes with others and was always willing to try something new.
Nancy, along with Terry, was a member of the Great Plains Street Rodders car club and had her own 1955 Chevy Hardtop. She was an active member of Beaver Valley Lutheran Church and Spirit of Truth Lutheran Church where she made many life-long friends. Above all, Nancy loved her family, from getting her children involved in 4-H and teaching Sunday School classes, to making special memories and spending time with her grandchildren. She instilled a can-do attitude into life and would say “If you want to do something, just go do it.” Nancy was a loving, wife of over 50-plus years, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend who will be dearly missed.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband, Terry Jellis of Brandon; son, Jason Jellis and his wife, Christina, of Brandon; daughter, Heather Hennings and her husband, Eric, of Dakota Dunes; four grandchildren, Devan and Leah Jellis and Dillon and Kaitlyn Hennings; her mother Margaret Albers, Sioux Falls; siblings, Steve (Patty) Albers and Darwin (Peggy) Albers, of Harrisburg, Dennis (Renee) and Ronald (Diane) Albers, of Sioux Falls, Robin (Duane) Dangel, Harrisburg; brother-in-law, Greg Baete of Sioux Falls; sister-in-law, Donna Jellis of Florida; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Duane Albers, and two sisters, Janet Albers and Sheryl Baete.
For online condolences, visit georgeboom.com.
