Nancy Lee Conway

Nancy Lee (Zinn) Conway, 81, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 9, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. She spent her last days surrounded by her children and grandchildren as well as the compassionate healthcare workers/angels of hospice.

Nancy was born in Wichita, Kansas on September 22, 1943, to Russell and Mary (Albright) Zinn. She was the second child of four, and the only girl in a house full of boys. She attended Wichita East High School and went on to briefly attend Abilene Christian University in Texas before marrying and starting a family in her hometown of Wichita.

Family was Nancy’s greatest joy, and her five children were the embodiment of that joy. She spent many years as a stay-at-home mother and wife, giving all of herself to her family and their pursuits. From a room mother in classrooms to Girl Scout troop leader to score keeper at baseball games, Nancy was always there. She was the quintessential stay-at-home mom, welcoming all the neighborhood kids into her home, attending her children’s many swim meets, ball games, and school plays. She was an excellent seamstress, and Nancy’s children reaped the benefits of her skills with creative, homemade Halloween costumes and original clothing, like bridesmaid's and flower girl’s dresses for their weddings. She delighted in holding her children on her lap while reading stories aloud or singing to them the dear, sweet songs that her mother had sung to her.

Nancy had immense pride in her children, and they were especially proud of her, in turn, when she faced the challenges of entering the workforce for the first time and undertaking single parenthood head on. As with every other significant transition in her life, she approached this new chapter with an inner fortitude and persistent determination. She began a twenty-year career with the City of Wichita in 1985 as an administrative assistant, first for the Housing Authority and later for Traffic Maintenance. It was during her time with the Housing Authority that she met an unassuming, warm-hearted electrician with an ornery sense of humor by the name of Kenneth Conway, whom she went on to marry. Nancy and Ken remained devoted to each other until his passing in 2010.

Growing up with three brothers, dogs, and even a pet raccoon gave Nancy a passion for spending time in nature. She took great pleasure in outdoor pursuits like camping, fishing, boating, and gardening, which she passed on to her children and grandchildren. When she could not be outdoors, she surrounded herself with beautiful things that she collected for her home, or she could be found hunting for a bargain in her many favorite shops; however, nothing gave Nancy more happiness than spending time with friends and family, especially her grandchildren, who truly were the light of her life.

Nancy could always be counted on to be a steadfast friend and a supportive wife, mother, and grandmother. She made new friends easily with her genuine, affable nature, and she continued to do so throughout her life. Some of her most cherished friendships were made when she moved to Twin Lakes Apartments in her later years. She was as good at listening as she was at talking, and she became the confidant of many of her friends, children, and grandchildren. She could always be counted on to offer support, and she never let judgement cloud the unconditional love that she felt for the people she cared about. She devoted her life to her loved ones, and she was loved and cherished by them in return. Nancy will be deeply missed, but she will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth D. Conway; her parents, Russell W. and Mary B. Zinn; and brothers, Richard and Steven Zinn. She is survived by her five children: Michael Pendergraft of Ponca City, OK, Kristen Kruse of Valley Center, Stacy Shelton of Wichita, Ashley Bundy (Brian) of Wichita, and Scott Skinner (Amanda) of Kansas City, MO; her grandchildren: Robert Brooks, Nicolas Kruse, Jessica Vail, Ian Shelton, Alexis Shelton, Logan Bundy, Braeden Bundy, Devin Bundy, Lauryn Bundy, Morgan Skinner, Cassidy Skinner, Scout Harmon, and Eulalia Skinner; her brother, Robert Zinn and wife, Donna of Wichita; sisters-in-law, Diane Zinn and Jill Zinn, both of Lawrence; five great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held to honor Nancy at 10 AM, Friday, June 13, at Cozine Life Events Center, 11500 E. 21 St. N. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society at www.donate.cancer.org or The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance at www.give.tscalliance.org. Share condolences at www.cozine.com. Services by Cozine Memorial Group-Cozine Life Events Center.