Nancy M. Seibert

Nancy was born on February 13, 1941, at William Crisp Hospital in Plainwell, Michigan, to Earl and Erma (Truax) Baker. She spent the early years of her life in Mattawan before her family moved to their little farm on Hill Road, which they proudly called home. As the oldest of three girls, Nancy often found herself babysitting her younger sisters and occasionally discovering that the youngest had ruined a cherished tube of lipstick or a special piece of clothing she had purchased herself with money she earned during summers working at the Five and Dime in downtown Allegan. 

Nancy began elementary school in Mattawan, but she was, above all, a proud Otsego Bulldog and a member of the Otsego High School Class of 1959. Until just a few years ago, she faithfully celebrated class reunions every five years, which she organized as class treasurer, and she continued attending monthly class lunches with her classmates. Nancy loved music and sang in choir and small ensembles throughout high school, even singing at several weddings over the years. 

It was during high school that Nancy met her first love, Jerry Seibert. Jerry, who was a year ahead of her in school and apparently quite the catch, quickly won her heart. After a brief courtship, they were married in June of 1961. Nancy held a variety of jobs while growing up, and after marriage she worked as a secretary in the office at Hammond Machine in Otsego for nearly nine years, until the birth of their daughter, Lauri. 

Nancy devoted many years to being a homemaker while raising her daughter. Once Lauri was old enough to stay home alone, Nancy returned to work part-time and spent nearly 30 years with her friends Bob and Jan Cushman and their business, Cushman Construction. She followed them through several locations over the years and also helped with Jan’s downtown Otsego store, Hidden Talents, while continuing to assist with office duties. When Bob and Jan retired, Nancy retired right alongside them—because that’s what friends do. 

To know Nancy was to understand the true meaning of volunteerism. Throughout the years, she gave generously of her time to United Way, worked in the Otsego Chamber office, served as a Girl Scout troop leader, volunteered countless hours over more than 20 years with the Creative Arts Festival Committee, and served as President of the Otsego Fire Department Auxiliary. Her greatest joy, however, was serving on the Otsego District Library Board, where she faithfully held the position of secretary for 43 years before retiring just a few years ago. 

Nancy had many interests and hobbies that brought her great happiness. She was an avid antique collector, with a particular fondness for her extensive collection of green depression glass. She also treasured fancy wine goblets, metal trays, and vintage bears. Affectionately known as Nana, she loved spending time along the shores of Lake Michigan with her grandchildren, collecting special rocks and sea glass. They could always persuade her to stop at Sherman’s Dairy on the drive home. She was the maker of chicken soup for all of us, that would cure everything and the best little cheesecakes in the world at a moments notice for all occasions. 

Anyone who passed by her home in the summertime knew how much Nancy loved flowers. Year after year, she created beautiful patio gardens that she tended with pride. Nancy adored animals, especially cats. She had indoor cats, but somehow the neighborhood strays always seemed to know who would feed them, shelter them, and love them too. 

Although Nancy would insist she hated to sew, everyone who knew her suspected she secretly loved it—and she was exceptionally talented at it. She helped create dozens of Halloween costumes dreamed up by her daughter for herself and the grandchildren, but perhaps her most treasured creations were her quilts. If you are fortunate enough to own a Nancy quilt, you know just how beautiful they are. Over the years, she lovingly gave away dozens to family members, with many more carefully stored upstairs in plastic bins, waiting to be gifted someday. 

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Lauri (Joel) Krueger of Otsego; her sister, Linda Wason of Otsego; her grandchildren, Hunter (Alayna) Krueger of Allegan and Grace (Caleb) Hosier of Bloomingdale; her great-granddaughters, Sawyer and Emersyn; as well as several nieces and nephews and special friends “The Girls” (you know who you are) and special friend Janet. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jody and her beloved cats, Sunshine, Bashie, Tinker, Dusty and Beau. 

Cremation has taken place in accordance with Nancy’s wishes, and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Until then, please enjoy a sunset, pick up a pretty rock or shell to tuck into your pocket, and raise a glass of wine in an antique crystal goblet in her memory. 

"Sunsets are proof that endings can often be beautiful too." — Beau Taplin 

“Whenever you want to see me, always look at the sunset; I will be there.” —Grace Ogot. 

Contributions in memory of Nancy may be directed to Otsego District Public Library or the Otsego Fire Department. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.