Nancy Jean Krafka Cantrell

Our sweet mama, Nancy Jean Krafka Cantrell left this earth for her Heavenly home on February 25, 2025.  She was born January 18, 1942, in Valentine, Nebraska to Rudolph and Irene Lux Krafka. She grew up in South Dakota but attended high school in Valentine, Nebraska.  She went to nursing school at Methodist School of Nursing in Omaha, Nebraska where she became a Registered Nurse, graduating with honors.  She was a nurse most of her career at Dolly Vinsant Memorial Hospital formerly in San Benito, Texas.  She oversaw the OR and Central Supply, working alongside many doctors and fellow nurses that she enjoyed very much.  Nancy moved to Boerne, Texas in 2011 to be near family and lived there until recently.  Her final earthly home was in Bullhead City, Arizona.   

She is preceded in death by her parents and her eldest brother Rudy Joe Krafka.  She is survived by her two daughters, Marsha Bennett (Russell) of Houston, Texas, Michelle (Blake) Hubbard of Fort Mohave, Arizona, Grandchildren, Jacob (Payton) Hubbard of Boerne, Texas, Justin (Daisia) Hubbard of Belton, Texas, Lauren (Tim) Bi of Houston, Texas and Great Grandchild, Grayson Hubbard. She is also survived by her ex-husband, Bobby Cantrell of Harlingen, Texas, her younger brother, Thomas Krafka of Rapid City, South Dakota and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Nancy played tennis, golf, was a league bowler and a docent at the Gladys Porter Zoo in the Rio Grande Valley in her younger years. She was a sports fanatic, and a longtime supporter of the World Wildlife Fund.  She was known for her amazing smile, generous laugh and unstoppable wit. She enjoyed her plants, loved to play cards, read and watch birds. 

Nancy loved being with family and friends.  She will be missed by many and treasured always. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local zoo or bird sanctuary.