Nancy Marie Burdess

Nancy Marie Burdess, 93, transitioned from this life to the next on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois. Born in Peoria, Illinois, on May 8, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Walter K. and Florence C. (Edwards) Sparks. On May 16, 1975, she married John J. “Jack” Burdess. He preceded her in death on December 20, 2012. Nancy is survived by a son, Chris (Susan) Short of Greenfield, MO; daughters, Julie (Randy) Henderson of Springfield, IL, Sue Salrin of Marina del Rey, CA, and Karen (Bret) Johnson of Peoria, IL; seven grandchildren, Jenny Short, Angie (Shawn) Cranford, Cody Short, Casey Short, Ellie Salrin, Nicole (Tyler) Beard, and Allison (Justin) Ernisse; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and one nephew. In addition to her husband, Nancy was preceded in death by her stepfather, Guy Bogenrief; two brothers, Walter “Bud” Sparks and Gerald “Jerry” Sparks; one sister-in-law, Martha “Marty” Sparks; one son-in-law, Dave Salrin; and one niece, Lynn (Sparks) Phillips. Nancy graduated from Manual Training High School in 1951. Once all of her children were in school, she worked at various jobs, including one of her favorites - selling Avon beauty products. She worked as an administrative assistant at Smith Transfer Company for 20 years, and later worked as a deputy clerk at the Peoria County Circuit Clerk’s Office until her retirement in 1995. She was a member of the AMVETS Post 64 Auxiliary, the Limestone American Legion Post 979 Auxiliary, and the Hanna City Sportsman’s Club. Nancy loved all types of flowers and helped Jack tend to the 200 lily plants on their property. She also enjoyed making beautiful flower arrangements and gift baskets for others. Nancy and Jack were a dynamic duo, going on weekly excursions all over Central Illinois, from bargain shopping at every area Walmart to “making the rounds” to socialize with their many friends at the Hanna City Sportsman’s Club, AMVETS, VFW, and American Legion. A Saturday excursion was not complete without a stop at Viano’s in Norris for their favorite steak. Nancy touched countless lives with her kindness and generosity. She was the sort of person everyone was grateful to know. We miss and love her beyond words. A private graveside service will take place on Sunday, July 12, 2026, followed by a memorial gathering at the Limestone American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville, Illinois, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Memorials may be sent to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, c\o OSF HealthCare Foundation, ATTN: Hospice Home, 530 N.E. Glen Oak Ave., Peoria, IL 61637, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ATTN: St. Jude Midwest Affiliate, 4722 N. Sheridan Rd., Peoria, IL 61614. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.SchmidtHaller.com.

Nancy Marie Burdess

May 8, 1933 - June 6, 2026