Nancy L. Dynes

Nancy Dynes, 68, of Atkinson, IL went to be with the Lord on January 14, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Visitation will be held from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory-Atkinson Chapel, with a Recitation of the Rosary being held at 4:30 p.m. prior to visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Anthony Catholic Church - Atkinson with Reverend S. Stephen Engelbrecht celebrating. She will be laid to rest at Fairview United Methodist Cemetery - Annawan. In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to St. Anthony’s Altar and Rosary, Annawan-Alba Library or Parkinson’s Research. Condolences can be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com

Nancy was born on July 31, 1957, in Kewanee, IL to Marvin and Mary (VanPoucke) Taets. She was a 1975 graduate of Annawan High School and later attended Oehrlein School of Cosmetology.

On September 17, 1977, Nancy was united in marriage to Larry Dynes at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheffield, IL, where she was a faithful member. Together, Nancy and Larry made their home in rural Annawan for 32 years, where they raised their family, before later moving to Atkison. Their 48-year marriage was marked by deep love, faith, and partnership.

Nancy found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed reading, cross-stitching, crafting, cake decorating, singing in the church choir, traveling, and was always up for a game of cards. Above all else, Nancy treasured time spent with her family and friends, and she rarely missed an opportunity to attend her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and events. If one needed anything, Nancy was there to help. She was the “go-to” person for any supplies needed for a project or whatever the situation called for.

Nancy’s love for children and dedication to her community were evident throughout her life. She served as a Sunday school teacher for more than 20 years, sharing her faith with generations of young people. In recent years, she was a member of St. Anthony’s catholic church in Atkinson, IL and was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Nancy was a member of the Atkinson Women’s Club. She was a devoted leader of the Annawan All-Stars 4-H Club for 28 years and served as a 4-H Federation leader. Nancy worked for several years at the Annawan-Alba Township Library and assisted with the summer reading program. She also helped with the Country Preschool program for approximately 10 years and lovingly babysat for family members. In addition, Nancy was involved with Annawan High School’s AFS program, and her family proudly hosted two foreign exchange students, whom she considered honorary daughters.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 48 years, Larry Dynes; her children, Scott Dynes (Jill) of Davenport, IA, Matthew Dynes (Amanda) of Annawan, IL, and Tracey Carton (Casey) of Kewanee, IL; her beloved grandchildren, Alexandria Dynes, Logan Dynes, Cole Dynes, Cora Dynes, Dominic Carton, and Katie Carton. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis Taets (Sharyn) of Fredericksburg, VA; sister, Jean Ann Carter (Jim) of Atkinson, IL; mother-in-law, Shirley Dynes of Kewanee, IL; sister-in-law, Peggy Taets of Sheffield; brother-in-law, Gary Dynes (Tamra) Of Kewanee, IL; honorary foreign exchange daughters, Fjona Polito of Italy and Nathalie Ritzmann of Austria; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Mary Taets; her brother, Gary Taets; her father-in-law, Dwaine Dynes; her grandparents, Oscar and Clara VanPoucke, and Phillip and Elizabeth Taets.

Nancy will be remembered for her faith, kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Her legacy of love and service will live on in the many lives she touched.