Nancy Ekerberg

Nancy Ann Ekerberg, born on March 12, 1945, in Memphis, Texas, to Joe L. Mothershed and Mildred K. (Lamb) Mothershed, passed away peacefully at Newton Presbyterian Manor on February 24, 2025, surrounded by her sons. She was 79 years old.

Nancy’s lifelong dedication to advocating for the developmentally disabled began with her beloved younger brother, Jody, who had Down syndrome. At 18, she worked as a summer assistant at Bethphage Mission (now Mosaic, Axtell campus) in Axtell, Nebraska, where Jody received care. There, she met her future husband, Jim Ekerberg. Nancy pursued her passion by teaching special education while living in Loveland and later Fowler, Colorado. The family then moved to Estes Park, Colorado where she worked for Safeway until her retirement. In 2012 she moved to Newton Kansas to be closer to family, where she could be “Grammie on call.”

A devoted community member, Nancy actively participated in her church and its leadership. She found joy in sewing, quilting, and crocheting. Above all, she cherished her role as a mother, and then as a grandmother to her three grandsons.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jody; her sister, Susan Mothershed; and Jim Ekerberg. She is survived by her two sons, Mark (Amy) Ekerberg and Steve (Tanisha) Ekerberg; and her grandsons, Conner (Rebecca), Creed, and James.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, at the Newton Presbyterian Manor Chapel. 

Interment will take place on Saturday, April 26th at Fairview Cemetery in Memphis, Texas, starting at 12:00 noon.

Memorial donations in Nancy’s memory may be made to Mosaic (mosaicinfo.org) or left in the care of Petersen Family Funeral Home.

Embracing God’s call, Mosaic relentlessly pursues opportunities that empower people. Mosaic serves nearly 5,000 people in more than 750 communities. Services are tailored to meet individual needs and goals, allowing people to be as independent as possible. Services are designed for people with disabilities, mental and behavioral health needs and autism, as well as aging adults.