Nancy Marie Blocker, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at her home on Thursday, July 16, 2026 in Elm Springs, Arkansas. She was born in Benton Harbor, Michigan on January 12, 1949 to the late Wilbur “Snow” and Rosemary Wendt. Nancy married Mike Blocker, and together they were blessed with four children. Although no longer married, in recent years they found joy in watching their family grow, through spending time with their adult children, grandchildren, and becoming great-grandparents. Nancy considered it a blessing that she was able to care for some of her grandchildren who called her “Ama” in their early years. Nancy never was one to hold on to many material things or belongings but instead she cherished time with her family and friends. As long as she was able to, she loved to "piddle around" and loved to be on the go. She loved thrifting for treasures and had such a great eye when it came to finding a diamond in the rough in an antique. She also enjoyed watching her flowers, especially her irises, bloom each year and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life like these. Nancy enjoyed playing cards with her family around the table while visiting and sharing stories. She was a quiet soul that also found joy in life's quiet moments. Nancy loved sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee watching the birds and the neighborhood orphaned cats that found refuge with her. She was compassionate and valued all life and even the cats seemed to know they had found a safe haven with her. She was thoughtful, quick-witted and full of life. Like her mother she was a gifted seamstress and crocheter. She made Halloween costumes for her grandchildren, and as long as her hands let her, she crocheted gifts for those she loved. Later in life, she met Gary Gordon, and they spent more than 30 years together as special friends. Among many other things, they enjoyed taking trips over to the casino to try their luck at the slot machines. This summer she had the opportunity to visit Michigan with some of her children and grandchildren for a family reunion with her siblings and loved ones. The trip was not only a blessing to her but a cherished final memory for those she loved.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Bruce Wendt. She is survived by her children, Eric Jon Blocker and Tamitha of Huntsville, Arkansas, Tracy Blocker of Lowell, Arkansas, Andi Acuff and Frankie of Elm Springs, Arkansas, Dan Blocker and Theresa of Bella Vista, Arkansas; grandchildren, Taylor Erickson and Brittney, Leigh Smith and TJ, Hailey England, Lauren Blocker, Charlie Acuff and Meredith, Hayden Blocker, Henry Acuff, Karstyn Shiew, Murray Acuff, Rosie Jo Acuff; great-granddaughter, Georgia Grace Acuff; siblings, Mike Wendt, David Wendt, Rosanne Stroud, Jeff Wendt and Missy, Valerie Schlepr and Mike, Rita Mitchell and Chris, Steve Wendt and Lisa Terry; special friend Gary Gordon, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

Her memorial service will take place at First United Methodist Church in Springdale, Arkansas on July 31st at 10am. Her interment will be immediately following at Bluff Cemetery with her family.

Because Nancy found so much joy in flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor her memory with flowers to consider a potted plant or flowering garden plant that can continue to bloom and bring beauty to others.

Nancy also loved caring for the orphaned cats that showed up at her home. She provided them with food and shelter and helped to get them spayed or neutered. If you are looking for a way to honor her you can donate to the NWA Community Cat Project to support their efforts to spay and neuter community cats, helping continue the kind of gentle care Nancy gave.