Yowell, Nancy L. 1940-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

Nancy Lou Yowell, 84, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 6, 2025. She was born on Nov. 6, 1940, in Mound City, Missouri, to the late Mildred (Smith) Diggs and Estell Diggs.

On April 13, 1963, Nancy married Albert Franklin Yowell, and the two built a life rooted in commitment and family. Together, they raised two children: Brenda (Roger) Baker, of St. Joseph, and Todd (Ann) Yowell, of Thailand.

Nancy worked as a Band Tacker at Stetson Hats for over 30 years, where she was known for her consistency and strong ties with her coworkers, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Nancy found joy in the little things and loved spending time with her family. She was a devoted grandmother to Dathan (Marissa) Pettis, of St. Joseph, and Cayleigh (Kyle) Pettis-Kelly, of Kansas City, and a proud great-grandmother to Cayco Pettis, who brought light to her later years.

She had a playful and competitive spirit, known to many as a champion dart thrower, especially fond of the elusive nine-dart out. Nancy also loved working on the largest jigsaw puzzles she could find, always enjoying the challenge and satisfaction of completing them piece by piece.

While Nancy was more mobile, she attended Evolution United Methodist Church, in St. Joseph, and valued being part of its community.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert; her parents; and siblings, Carrol Smith, Sheldon Diggs, Kenneth Diggs, Glenn Diggs, and Alice Stegall.

She is survived by her brother, Larry Diggs; her two children and their spouses; her grandchildren; and great-granddaughter; and numerous nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

Nancy will be remembered for her loving heart, sharp sense of humor, resilience, and the deep connection with everyone fortunate enough to know her. She will be greatly missed and forever loved.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home.

Online condolences and obituary may be viewed at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.