Nancy Elder Bruens, 85, Harrisonville, MO, died Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at Golden Years Care Center in Harrisonville. Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at the United Methodist Church in Harrisonville. Burial in Orient Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to church or to the Alzheimer's Association.

Nancy was born July 20, 1932 in Parsons, KS, the daughter of Elson T. and Ada Elder (Barnes). She was a 1949 graduate of Lee's Summit High School. Nancy received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Education from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, MO. She was a member of Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. Nancy had lived in Platte City, Weston, and Wellington, before moving to Harrisonville in 1967.

Nancy was united in marriage to Walter W. Bruens on May 30, 1954 in Warrensburg, MO. She taught school at Platte City High School from 1953-1955 and was a substitute teacher at West Platte High and Harrisonville High School for several years. During the winters while living in Weston she served as Bookkeeper for a Tobacco Buyer during auction time at Hulls Warehouse. In 1969, Nancy started Harrisonville Book Store on the square, which she owned/managed until 1980. She then sold the Book Store and started Nancy's Hallmark Haven, also on the square, and owned/managed that store until 1991.

Nancy was a member of the Harrisonville United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women's group. She was also a member of PEO Sisterhood-Chapter GR, the Ararat Shrine Greeterettes, and the Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce. Nancy was the first woman president of Harrisonville Chamber of Commerce in 1971. She was also active in the Harrisonville Square Center Merchants.

Nancy was an avid reader, and an excellent cook. While Walt was Superintendent of Harrisonville R-IX Schools, she used to provide a brunch for all the teachers at the beginning of each school year.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Kathryn Meislohn and Joan Keeney. She is survived by her husband, Walter, of the home; two sons, Lt. Col. (Ret) Stephen W. Bruens and wife, Sylvia, Huntsville, AL and Jeffrey W. Bruens and wife, Lori, Harrisonville, MO; 5 grandchildren, Paul M. Bruens, James M. Bruens, Kate O. Bruens, Grace C. Bruens, Crystal L. Warden; nieces, nephews, great-nieces; and many friends.