With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Patty Joan Nance of Piedmont, OK.
Here is what mattered, in the years between the dates.
Patty held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
A life of belief is a life of quiet conversation with something larger.
Patty Joan (Gooszen) Nance, 88, went home to her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 3, 2026. She was born December 4, 1937 in Custer City, Oklahoma, to Frank and Ila Mae (Reeder) Gooszen. Patty married Raymond Nance on December 22, 1956 and welcomed son, Mark, on December 31, 1966.
As a young child, Patty helped her father on their farm in Clinton, OK. She often shared stories of waking up early to be her father's right hand, whether in the chicken coop or milking cows. After graduating from Clinton High School in 1956, Patty skipped her senior trip and moved to Oklahoma City to begin her career with Southwestern Bell/AT&T. She retired in early 1995 and for many years her parking space was where the Survivor Tree now stands.
A long-time Piedmont, OK resident, Patty was strong in her faith, read her Bible daily and wrote scriptures on note cards that she placed throughout her home. She was happiest when she was caring for others-whether it was her famous dessert boxes at Christmas or opening her home to those who needed a place to stay for a night, a year or longer. Patty had a green thumb and grew beautiful flowers, with her favorites being roses and cannas. Even into her 80s you could find her pushing a wheelbarrow full of dirt or plants, ready to transform a flower bed or two. Patty had a heart of gold and compassion for those less fortunate, especially children.
Patty was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 60 years, Raymond; brother, Loy Gooszen; sister-in-law, Melissa Gooszen; nephew, Chris Gooszen; brother-in-law, Dale Lau; and niece, Kristin Harper.
She is survived by her son, Mark, wife Laura and grandson Max Kriegel of Oklahoma City; sister, Bobbie Lau of Yukon; sister, Leah Casey and husband Mike of Mustang; brother-in-law, Odie Nance and wife Kay Barker of Oklahoma City; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family whom she loved dearly. Also, special people in Patty's life included exchange student son, Francisco "Paco" Montemayor Ocanas, wife Lilly, and children, Lilly and Francisco of Monterrey, Mexico; Rich Kriegel, Kara, Josh and Emma Banta, Kalli Willis and Bobbi Moore.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Gardens at Quail Springs and Emerald Hospice for their care and compassion as Patty battled dementia.
The family will welcome visitors on Thursday, May 7 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service, 3925 N. Asbury in Bethany, OK. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8 at Kansas Cemetery, 194th and Morgan Road, in Piedmont, OK. Immediately following the service, lunch will be served at First Baptist Church of Piedmont.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bethany Children's Health Center in Bethany, OK.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
