Nancy Marie Shrum

Nancy Marie Shrum

August 10, 1947 – August 13, 2026

Nancy Marie Shrum (née Pagliai), age 79, passed peacefully at home on Thursday, August 13, 2026, held in the loving arms of her husband, Morris.

Born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Nancy met and fell in love with Morris, with whom she shared a beautiful 52-year marriage. Known for her peaceful spirit and bright, smiling eyes, Nancy often shared that it was her ultimate honor and privilege to be a wife and mother. She possessed a naturally understanding and nurturing demeanor, and her loved ones frequently turned to her for wise, comforting advice. A joyous soul who lived to put others before herself, Nancy treasured every moment spent with her family. She enjoyed quilting almost as much as she enjoyed collecting fabric–her family will attest to her near obsession with collecting stashes of quilting fabrics. One of Nancy’s love languages is food and her loved ones will deeply miss her incredible talents in the kitchen, where she loved preparing delicious Italian dishes, perfect pies, and favorite cookies among other tasty delights.

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband, Morris Shrum; her three children, Amelia Tingstrom (Derek), Scott Shrum (Brooke), and Andrea Clapp (Joshua); her six cherished grandchildren, Seth and Alexander Clapp, and Jaci, Jackson, Jacob, and Kindness Shrum; her four siblings, Marcia Rufer (Douglas), David Pagliai (Kaylene), Janet Webb (Michael), and Mary Sawhill (Mark); and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Joan Pagliai; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Grant and Pauline Shrum; and several aunts and uncles.

Services

Visitation: Will be held on Friday, August 21st from 5-7 p.m. at Hamilton’s Near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa.

Funeral Service: Will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 600 1st Avenue N, Altoona, Iowa 50009 with a luncheon immediately following.

Committal and Graveside Service: After the funeral and luncheon, at Pine Hill Cemetery, 524 NW 54th Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50313.