Nancy Jean Anderson, 76, of Royal, IA, passed away peacefully on January 10th, 2026 with her daughter by her side. Her life began with all the love of family and the support of a small community. Born June 14th, 1949 Nancy was the daughter of Francis and Nelle Anderson. Nancy grew up in Royal Iowa where she attended school graduating in 1967. She attended church with her family at Bethlehem Danish Lutheran where she was confirmed just as her father and grandmother had been.
Nancy loved Elvis, the movies and spending time with family. She burned up the roads taking her sisters, her kids and nephew to the drive in movies. She worked in the father’s store in Royal known to all as Andy’s grocery. In 1969 she gave birth to her son Brett Roberts who went on to serve in the US army and graduate from Iowa State University. In 1972 she gave birth to Brenda Mackedanz who graduated from Iowa Lakes and was a devoted caretaker to her mother for many years. Brenda then dedicated her career to early childcare development.
Nancy’s life was not an easy one, yet she taught us selflessness, forgiveness and kindness. As written in Ephesians 4:32: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents: Francis “Andy” and Nelle (Myers) Anderson, sister: Barbara Jo Anderson; niece: Nicole Lucas and Brother in Law Rick Burgeson.
Nancy is survived by her son: Brett K. and Sarah Roberts of Bremen, IN, Daughter Brenda F. Mackedanz of Madison, Wisconsin. Sisters: Vicki and Kent Ficken of Sutherland, IA, Terri and Dennis Gonnerman of Waukee IA, and Cheryl Burgeson of Royal, IA; Granddaughters: Alli Wynn and Frank Guerra of Mishawaka, IN, and Emily Denise Roberts of Dowagiac, MI, great granddaughters: Ophelia Wynn Guerra and Juno Vivian Guerra and several nieces and nephews.
A private family inurnment will be held at Willow Creek Cemetery near Royal. Martin Mattice Funeral Home is assisting the family.
martinmatticefuneralhome.com