Bonham, Texas -- Nancy Burnett Owen DeRose was born in Chicago, Illinois, on January 3, 1943. Following a truly amazing life, she passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family in Bonham, Texas on June 15, 2025.
Nancy was the eldest daughter of Kingsley Everett Owen and Nellie Riordan Owen. She was raised in Orland Park and Prospect Heights, Illinois, with her younger sister, Margaret. Nancy graduated from Arlington High School in 1960. Following high school, Nancy attended Bradley University, where she studied and earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1964. While at Bradley University, Nancy met the love of her life, Anthony “Tony” DeRose. They were later married on August 13, 1967.
In 1974, Tony’s job with DeRose Industries brought the young family to Bonham, Texas, where Tony and Nancy became beloved members of the community with their daughters, Jennifer, Margo, and Kathryn. Following Tony’s illness and passing in 1982, Nancy returned to work as a first-grade teacher at Bailey English Elementary School in 1983. She continued to teach first grade for Bonham ISD for 34 years until her retirement in 2017. Teaching was a role she loved deeply. Her classroom was a place of warmth, patience and encouragement. She loved teaching, loved her students, loved watching them progress through school, and had the joy of teaching children of her former students.
But the essence of Nancy’s life was her love for and dedication to her three daughters. Nancy was fearless in her efforts to ensure their well-being, education and have robust experiences along the way. She poured out her heart and soul to her girls and was so proud of them. As a grandmother, Nancy’s love for her grandchildren was unwavering. Over the years, she traveled thousands of miles to watch them compete in their various activities. She was enthusiastic and supportive every step of the way. Cheering on her grandchildren brought her immense joy. Nancy’s grandchildren loved her and loved the way she made them each feel special, important, and worthy.
Nancy was passionate about gardening and always maintained beautiful gardens. She was an excellent cook, always keeping her kids, grandchildren, and sons-in-law well fed. Those who visited Nancy, never left empty handed. Nancy was also a devout fan of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Stars – staying abreast of the details of every season and every player and able to debate with anyone about her teams.
Nancy’s strong faith provided strength and comfort throughout her life. She was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church in Bonham.
In 2016, Nancy was diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis, a rare progressive muscle disease. She never let her condition slow her down. Her family, neighbors, friends, and caregivers supported her and enabled her to live at home for the duration of her life. Nancy’s home was the heart of every family gathering. With a warm smile and full heart, she served dinners that brought everyone together. Her kindness, uplifting attitude, and the way she made everyone feel like family will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Nancy was a true inspiration — a steady source of love, strength, and joy. Her generous spirit, heartfelt stories, wise advice, treasured recipes, and beloved family traditions will continue to live on through those she touched and will be passed down for generations to come.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Kingsley and Nellie Owen, and her husband, Anthony DeRose. Nancy is survived by her daughter Jennifer Gleason and her husband Chris of Frisco, Texas, her daughter Margo Sherrer and her husband Ben of Chouteau, Oklahoma and her daughter Kathryn Aylor DeRose of Leonard, Texas. She is survived by seven grandchildren, Anthony Gleason, Abby Gleason, Bennett Sherrer, Samuel Sherrer, Delanie Sherrer, Ava Aylor, and Olivia Aylor. She is survived by her beloved sister, Margaret Jobe and husband Larry, of Urbana, Illinois, sister-in-law Sharlene DeRose Lissuzzo of Oak Park, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to honor Nancy and celebrate her life will be held on June 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wise Funeral Home Chapel in Bonham, Texas, with a reception to follow the service at Funeral Home from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in her name to Cure IBM Research Fund at Washington University, MSC 1210, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130. https://wustl.advancementform.com/campaign/medicine/give
