Nancy Jane Cathey Dillard, 75, of Enid, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully in her home on September 19, 2026, surrounded by close friends and family. Viewing will be 6:00pm to 8:00pm Friday, September 25, 2026 at Trout Funeral Home in Tonkawa. Service will be Saturday, September 26, 2025 at 1:00pm at the Christian Life Church in Tonkawa. Burial will follow at I.O.O.F. cemetery in Tonkawa.
Nancy was born in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, to Jimmie and Margaret Cathey. She grew up in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, where she attended Tonkawa Elementary School and Tonkawa High School. She continued her education at Northern Oklahoma College, Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva.
While attending Northern Oklahoma College, Nancy was a member of the Roustabouts, where she was able to further share and develop her love of music and performing.
On June 27, 1981, Nancy married James Monroe Dillard. When Nancy married James, she also gained two daughters who loved her from the very beginning. She embraced them as her own, and the family they built together became one of the greatest joys of her life.
Nancy was many things to many people, but above all, she was a devoted Christian woman who dedicated her life to serving the Lord, loving her family, and being a true and faithful friend. As a mother, we could not have asked for anyone more loving, caring, and giving. Her faith was not simply something she spoke about-it was reflected in the way she lived and in the love and kindness she showed to others.
Music was an important part of Nancy’s life. She was blessed with a beautiful musical talent and generously shared that gift throughout the years. She participated in many church choirs at various churches and sang with other musical groups and organizations throughout her life. Nancy also shared her love and knowledge of music by giving private music lessons, teaching and encouraging others to develop their own musical talents. Her knowledge and appreciation of music also led her to serve as a judge for musical contests, where she was able to use her experience and talent to encourage other musicians and performers.
Music brought Nancy great joy, and through it she brought joy to countless others. Whether she was singing, teaching, judging, or simply sharing her love of music with those around her, music remained a special part of who she was throughout her life.
Nancy also treasured the special trips she shared with her sisters. Those times together created memories filled with laughter, love, and the special bond that only sisters can share.
Nancy will be remembered for her love of the Lord, her musical talent, her generous heart, and her devotion to her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love that will continue through the generations of her family.
Nancy is survived by her daughters, Margo Dillard of Enid, Oklahoma, and Francine and her husband, Sheldon Wedel, of Mayfield, Kentucky; 14 grandchildren, including Chad Hoskins, Chelsea and husband Tyler Smith, Gretchen Kesinger, Swayzee Hoskins, Brock and wife Katelyn Wedel, Jordyn and husband Daryle Wengerd, Taylor and wife ShaLyn Wedel, Brandon and wife Katelin Wedel, and Makayla and husband Jacob Schmidt; 12 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Cheryl and husband Gerald Howard and Beverly and husband Steven Ward; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmie and Margaret Cathey; her beloved husband, James Monroe Dillard; and her brother, Danny Cathey.
Although our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Mom’s faith was the foundation of her life. She loved the Lord, she loved her family deeply, and she used the gifts God gave her to bring happiness to others. Her voice may be silent here on earth, but the music, faith, love, and memories she gave us will remain in our hearts forever.
She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed.