Nancy Sue McBroom

Nancy Sue McBroom was born on July 13, 1943 in Seattle WA to Donovan and Julia Orr. She passed away after a brief but fierce fight with a rare condition on July 4, 2018 surrounded by the ones she loved most.

Nancy was extremely passionate about family, both immediate and extended. For most of her life, she was the organizer of family gatherings and planned all the activities to keep her kids and all the cousins busy. Her extreme competitiveness was contagious and made every game entertaining, most notably the game of “Spoons” which led to broken fingers and broken tables.

Her competitive nature extended to her favorite sports teams. She would not miss a football or basketball game when her Cougs, Zags, Mariners or Seahawks were playing.

She was always there with a listening ear and would not hesitate to tell you what you needed to hear, but not always what you wanted to hear.

While patience was waning in her later years, Nancy had an abundance of it when raising her kids. She did not lose patience when teaching her children, or their cousins to drive. Her home tended to be the gathering house open to all family and friends. She always welcomed the strays her kids brought home with open arms and was willing to drop everything to spend time with family.

Nancy was a dedicated professional and a successful local business owner of the “Whisperin’ Palms Restaurant” for many years in downtown Ritzville with her first husband. She began a second career in the 1990’s working at the Adams County Auditor’s Office.

Nancy was eventually appointed and subsequently elected 4 terms by the public as Adams County Auditor. Nancy was honored at her retirement in 2013 with a visit from the Washington State Secretary of State, Three government officials from the WA State Department of Licensing, Leader of the WA State Senate and numerous County Auditors from around the State. Very rarely do any of these high ranking State officials attend an event of this nature, but Nancy as everyone knows was very special and not the typical County Auditor.

They noted in their speeches that day of her “astounding work ethic, impeccable integrity, and commitment to the office”. In addition to these dignitaries, numerous former employees and county officials attended her retirement, as a testament to the character of Nancy.

Nancy was involved in many organizations regionally and locally over the past four decades such as the Ritzville Festivals Association, Ritzville Jr. Miss Program aka DYW, Bronc Boosters, Adams County Fair, Ritzville Chamber of Commerce, Adams County and WA State Republican Party Co-Chair, Ritzville Gun Club, and Fraternal Order of Eagles Ladies Axillary.

Nancy enjoyed Bowling with her “Girl Posse”, reading novels, completing puzzles of all types and spending quality time with her pets, grandkids and kids, (probably in that order).

Nancy is survived by her husband, Al “Mac” McBroom, daughters Angela Templin and Julie Heimbigner, step children Lisa Swift, Shannon Arlt and Chip McBroom, grandchildren Zak Templin, Katlyn Templin, Aaron Templin, Andrew Templin, Alexa Heimbigner, Spencer Heimbigner, Carter Heimbigner, Makenzie Swift Thelan, Maddison Swift, Dalton Arlt, Gunner Arlt, Cade Arlt and great grandchild Quinn Thelan.

She is also survived by her sisters Lana Hamilton, Trish Impson, Leanne Slusher and nephews Dean Hamilton, Aaron Impson, niece Bethanie Impson as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Nancy was proceeded in death by her parents as well as her beloved daughter Denise Crossler in 1981.

Public Viewing Visitation will be Saturday July 14, 2018, 12-5PM at Danekas Funeral Home, Ritzville, WA

There will be a Private Family Graveside Service at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery at 2pm, prior to the Public Celebration of Life Reception Wake on Saturday August 4, 2018 at 4:00 PM at the Ritzville Legion Hall. A themed reception of Flowered and/or Hawaiian Attire is desired as Nancy was a huge fan of good parties and enjoyed flowers of all varieties with the color yellow being her favorite.

In lieu of flowers; Memorial Contributions to the Ritzville Festival’s Association, donations can be forwarded to Danekas Funeral Home: 207 E. Main Street, Ritzville, WA. 99169. Condolences may be left; http://www.danekasfh.com.