Nancy Jean McPherson Oppenheimer, age 85, passed away Sunday evening October 20, 2019, in Delta, Utah. She was born June 16, 1934 in Nephi, Utah to Eugene and Velva Dalley McPherson. Nancy grew up in Nephi along with two brothers and one sister. The extended family included grandparents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. Her parents were hard working farmers and she acquired her discipline to detail and hardworking habits early in life. Nancy married Teddy Van Ausdal in August 1950 and they had one child. Later divorced. She married Robert F. Price in 1954 and they had two children. Later divorced. She married Bob Oppenheimer on January 21, 1971 in Ely, Nevada, and added two stepsons to the family. He preceded her in death on May 23, 2010.
Nancy loved her life in Delta and over 58 years made friends that have lasted throughout her life. She was a career bank teller at First Security Bank. Retired over 25 years ago but her bank associates were part of her close circle of friends. Nancy and three good friends spent many years traveling coast to coast. They were very proud of the colorful yet corny shirts worn advertising they were from Delta, Utah. Nancy and Bob Opp enjoyed a very active life together which included many outdoor activities in both the mountains and the desert. Occasionally, she would talk Bob into pulling their fifth wheel trailer for sightseeing outside of Utah. Nancy was a master gardener, took pride in building, and maintaining a beautiful yard. It really was a milestone when she hired someone to keep up the maintenance because she wanted to be doing it herself. Her strong work ethic was instilled in the five kids and all would say they never wanted to disappoint her. Actually, we would never dare to disappoint her!
She was very proud of her pioneer heritage and enjoyed membership in Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Her great-grandmother was one of few survivors of the ill-fated Martin Handcart Company having lost both parents and her sister in this trek across the plains. This was part of what made her strong. She shared DNA with the early Utah settlers who persevered through challenges that most can only imagine.
Nancy is survived by her children: Jerry (Sydney) Price, Bob (Shannon) Price, Dixie (Mark) Talbot, Kelly (Shari) Oppenheimer and Kipp Oppenheimer. In addition, she has 11 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren that survive her. The last year of Nancy’s life had many challenges and her family would like to thank the entire staff at The Millard Care and Rehab Center. They took great care of her with everyone showing great compassion and love. Thank you.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 24, at 11:00 am, at the Delta 3rd Ward LDS Chapel, 197 South 300 West. Viewings will be held on Wednesday evening, 7-8 pm, at the Nickle Mortuary; and Thursday, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.