Nancy Evelyn Hicks Toms

Nancy Evelyn Hicks Toms, 71, of Big Lake quietly passed at home June 4, 2014, surrounded by family and friends.

She was born in Coushatta, Louisiana, on July 10, 1942, to the late Herbert and Mary “Gertie” Hicks. Nancy graduated from Saline High School in 1961. She married Millard Doyle Toms “Butch” on July 20, 1963, and they lived together in Lucky, Louisiana, before relocating to Alaska in 1991.

Nancy was a devoted daughter, wife and mother of five children. She was passionate about the Lord, family, cooking, gardening and sewing. People would describe Nancy as selfless, caring, warm, creative and determined. She was a traditional woman who exemplified Southern charm.

“Nana,” as her grandchildren called her, always had a house full of family. She loved teaching her children and grandchildren traditional skills such as sewing, knitting, gardening and cooking. A sign above her stove read “J’eatyet?” No one ever left Nana’s house hungry. She was the ultimate hostess.

Surviving are her husband, Butch; her five children, Michael Toms and wife Mary of Houston; Kathleen Sopp and husband Douglas of Anchorage; Sandra Sanford and husband Joe of Saline, Louisiana; Samuel Toms and wife Sheree of Caney Lake, Louisiana, Patrick Toms and wife Kristine of Palmer; 13 grandchildren, Nicole, Rebecca, Rachel, Makena, Madison, Tori, Tyler, Wyatt, Trevor, Ashlyn, Andrew, Jack and Evan; and great grandchild, Braxton.

Pallbearers are her sons, Michael Toms, Samuel Toms and Patrick Toms; grandsons, Wyatt Toms and Jack Hellenthal; and son-in-law, Douglas Sopp.

A visitation is at 11:30 a.m., June 9 at the Knik LDS Chapel, Mile 12.5, Knik-Goose Bay Road. Funeral services will follow at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow the service at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

Valley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.