Nancy Jewell Tarnutzer was born on July 9, 1940 in McCook, Neb., to Clifford Troy Jewell and Frances Jean Fitch. Nancy spent her childhood living in Nebraska, and briefly in Long Beach, Calif., before eventually settling in Newport Beach, Calif. She was a graduate of McCook High School, where she served as the senior class vice president, and later attended the University of Nebraska, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. In 1961, she married Byron Mitchell Tarnutzer and the two had three children: Rick Tarnutzer, who married Vonna Wilkins; Kim Tarnutzer who married Bob Warshawer, and Lee Tarnutzer, who married Tricia Kyle. Nancy is lovingly remembered as someone with a generous heart and a fiery spirit. Her passions included books, travel, reading newspapers all the way through, uncovering the occasional treasure at her local consignment shop, and helping others. She prided herself on her charity work. The Assistance League of Newport-Mesa was one of her favorite charities, where she helped raise funds for dental services for children among other duties. To her friends and family, she was an avid listener, and fountain of advice. To the grandchildren who knew her as Nana, she was a constant source of support. She loved her grandchildren deeply and spending time with them was her greatest joy. Nancy’s witty sense of humor and sassy personality made her the standout character of every room she entered, and one that is always remembered with a chuckle and fond smile. Her presence will be dearly missed. Nancy passed away peacefully in the early hours of March 22, 2026, at the age 85. Her final days were filled with laughter, in the company of friends and family, and enjoying one of her favorite warm weather treats: chocolate milkshakes. She is survived by her children and their spouses, her eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, her brother and sister, her nephews, and many, many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to City of Hope, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, MS DS 720, Duarte, Calif., 91010.