Nancy Ann Holtrop

Nancy Ann Holtrop, age 79, of Custer  passed away Friday, May 19, 2017, in Bellingham, WA at the Whatcom County Hospice House. Nancy was born on July 28, 1937, in Inglewood, California to father Walter Clark Allen and mother Sarah Lord. She grew up with 7 siblings: Marian, Charles, Dorothy, Robert, Sara Mae, Roberta, and Walter. Her favorite thing to do was ride on the tractor during haying time. She worked in Berry Fields for 3 years, at Alaska Packers for 4 years, at Sunrise Grocery for 14 years, at the Lynden Liquor Store for 14 years, and Farmed on Sunrise Road with her husband and in-laws for a number of years. Nancy was the glue that held her family together. She was referred to as a Battleship. Everyone who knew Nancy fell in love with her. There were no strangers to her. Everyone she met was welcomed into her family with open arms. She married Bernard G. Holtrop on October 30, 1954 in Lompoc, California. They were the proud parents of 4 children: Mindy, Larry, Gary, and Anne. She was the proud grandmother of Christopher Engler (whom she raised along with her husband), Kimberly, Holli, and Shaina James, all of whom she loved very much. Nancy is survived by her husband Bernard G. Holtrop, her sons Larry and Gary Holtrop, her daughter Anne and her husband Steven James, and her grandchildren Christopher Engler, Kim, Holli, and Shaina James. She was preceded in death by her siblings and her daughter Mindy. Nancy lived her life to the fullest. She brought great joy to everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. Her glass was always half full. If you ever saw her, she always wore a big, beautiful smile on her face. Nancy practically raised the kids from the neighborhood, they were always at her house and held a special place in her heart.  Her favorite animal was the elephant, and she had a vast collection of statues, stuffed animals, and the list goes on. She also enjoyed watching the hummingbirds outside her home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Whatcom County Hospice House or kidney research.  At Nancy's request there will be no services.