Joyce Nanos Obituary

Joyce Harper Bates Nanos passed away on March 8, 2023 at the age of 90 at the PEO Home in Beatrice, Nebraska. She was born in Halstead, Kansas on September 17, 1932 to Magdalene and Milo Harper of McPherson, Kansas.

Joyce joined an older sister Jo, who was her idol growing up. Joyce was a natural born animal lover, collecting all kinds including dogs, cats, pigeons, and coyote pups.

Joyce attended Kansas State University joining the Chi Omega sorority. She married Elmer Eugene "Gene" Bates on December 22, 1952. Gene left for basic training 5 days after their wedding to later serve in the Korean Conflict for 2 years. During Gene's deployment Joyce left Kansas State and moved to Wichita to live with her parents and worked at Beech Aircraft drawing airplanes.

When Gene returned from Korea, they continued their education, graduating from KSU in 1955. From this union four daughters were born: Melinda (Daniel) Otto of Manhattan, KS, Erin Bates Shirley of Riverton, WY, Cathleen Bates of Pavillion, WY and Jennifer (Matthew) Klopp of Lawrence, KS.

The Bates family lived on the family farm near Perry raising livestock and crops and having many outdoor adventures together.

Because of her natural artistic abilities, she taught a wide variety of art classes from 1969-1984 at Perry High School.

Joyce moved to Dubois, Wyoming in 1984 where she met Christ Nanos who she married in 1986. She continued painting and drawing the local landscapes and local personalities throughout the rest of her time in Wyoming. After the death of her second husband Christ in 2005 she moved back to Nebraska to be closer to family.

Joyce was known for her incredible sense of humor and beautiful artistic skills. She shared her art with many people through portraits of people and animals alike. Joyce loved to highlight the geography of Wyoming and rural life in Kansas. She loved a good mystery book, a good cocktail and a good card game with her friends and family. Joyce had an impressive appetite for food and for life. Her art will continue to grace the walls of those who loved her and the memory of her smile and laugh will continue to bring comfort to those who miss her.

Joyce is survived by her four daughters, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A graveside will be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 9:30am at Underwood Cemetery in Williamstown, Kansas. A gathering for friends and family will happen at the Perry American Legion from 10am -12pm. Memorial contributions can be made to PEO Home or Cottonwood Hospice in Beatrice, Nebraska.