Nancy Lee Bills

Nancy Lee Bills (age 79) passed away peacefully on October 15th, 2025, with her grandchildren by her side. She was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on April 26th, 1946 to Clifford and Helen (Carlson) Conkell. In her youth, she spent her time going on adventures and bike rides with her siblings and childhood friends, some of whom were lifelong. Nancy graduated from Lakeview High School, Class of 1964. During her time at school, she was a member of the synchronized swim team, The Aqua Sprites. In April of 1967,She began her career at State Farm Insurance of Marshall, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. There, she made even more lifelong friends, and often reminisced about the bowling team she was a part of, The Revers, being quoted as the “Anchor Man” of the team. Nancy was a vibrant soul. She was loving, compassionate, and had a great sense of humor. Always sparking conversation, Nancy made friends everywhere she went, becoming a good friend and confidant to many. Nancy always had a taste for adventure. She loved to travel, spend time outdoors, and had a deep respect for nature and wildlife. The beauty of Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula held a special place in her heart. She often took her daughter Kristin on many camping trips, Round Lake being a family favorite. After retirement, Nancy moved to the village of Roscommon, MI, living in her little home in the big woods. There, she founded her notorious “Boonie Blasts”. Her granddaughters were the light of her life, she took them on countless trips to the U.P., where they developed a strong love for the land just as she had. One of their favorite memories being the time they all went parasailing in St. Ignace. Nancy had many interests throughout her life, such as writing poetry and singing songs of her own making. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing cards and board games, loved watching old westerns, and was a fan of cinema and television. Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Helen (Carlson) Conkell, her infant sister Mary Jane, and other beloved family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Kristin Lagerquist of Athens,MI., granddaughters, Morgan Lagerquist of Plainwell,MI., Laine Lagerquist (Jack) of Battle Creek, Brother Ed (Judy) Conkell, of Battle Creek, Sister Carol (Rich) Reich, of Missoula, Montana, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Nancy was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. Nancy touched the lives of many, and she will be dearly missed. A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s memory to The Arbor Day Foundation. Memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome.org