Nancy Ruth Gillaspie, 66, of Independence, Missouri, unexpectedly passed away on the afternoon of March 16, 2016 at Saint Luke's Hospital on the Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri. Nancy was born on March 27, 1949 in Palo Alto, California, the daughter of George and Rosemary (McCollam) Gillaspie. Nancy lived her childhood in Anderson and Allen counties where she attended grade schools and graduated from Kincaid High School in 1967. In August of 1967, she married James Bartlett, of Bronson. They had two children: Mark and April. They were divorced 22 years later. Nancy then married Joe Dawson of Bronson. They were later divorced. Nancy moved to Independence, Missouri in 2003 to join her daughter April and family. Nancy owned a successful housekeeping business for the last thirteen years, sharing a special bond with her clients; seeing many of them as her family. Nancy is preceded in death by her son, Mark Bartlett; father, George Gillaspie; and brother, Steve Gillaspie. Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the lives of her mother, Rosemary Gillaspie; daughter, April Brunk and husband James; along with her grandchildren Mercedes Greenthaner and husband Jonathan; Bradley Bartlett, and Noah Brunk; three great grandchildren, Luca Bartlett, Elle Bartlett, and Maddyson Greenthaner; siblings, Anna Spears, Mike Gillaspie, Dennis and Mary Jo Gillaspie, David and Alice Gillaspie, Kevin and Angel Gillaspie, Mary Feltz, Scott and Tina Gillaspie, Tom Gillaspie, and Dan Gillaspie. The world lost a vivacious, loving and wonderful woman. Nancy was full of life and had a laughter that was contagious. She was sure to bring a smile to all those she encountered. She was an avid reader and loved KU basketball. Nancy was admired by many friends and family who sincerely regret her untimely death. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 26, 2016 at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Colony, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Cancer Society.