Ann Tracy

Ann (Wilson) Tracy, 86, of Nashua died Saturday, October 16, 2010, in her home. It was her desire that her body be donated to Mayo Clinic for research, where she received much of her care through the years. Ann was a private person and did not wish to have a service. Her family will honor her memory at Thanksgiving time. Ann was born February 18, 1924 in Pottsboro, Texas. She was the fourth of five children born to James Matthew Wilson and Chloe (Combs) Wilson of Pottsboro. She met her future husband, Merton Tracy of Nashua, while he was in training to become a fighter pilot at a nearby Air Force base during World War II. She became Mrs. Merton Tracy June 29, 1946 in Denison, Texas, leaving her home soon after to move to faraway Iowa, where she has lived the last 64 years. She was a very intelligent, yet practical woman, a combination of traits that enabled her to earn several quick promotions at Kraft cheese when she worked there as a young woman prior to her marriage. She was always fiercely loyal to her family and friends, never forgetting her Texas roots. She was politically savvy, closely following the ebb and flow of local and national politics. She will be forever remembered for her wonderful Christmas teas, which featured elaborate cookies and candies. She was a quick wit, always ready with a deft and knowledgeable comeback on the rare occasions she was challenged. She was an accomplished bridge player and a longtime member of Eastern Star and the United Methodist Church of Nashua. She was active in the local parent/teacher organization when her children attended Nashua Schools. She is survived by her husband, Merton Tracy of Nashua; her brother Bobby Wilson of Fort Worth, TX; two children: Dennis (Diane) Tracy of Fraser, MI and Debbe (Tom) Baker of Waverly, IA; four grandchildren: Darrin Tracy, Chicago, IL; Deanna Tracy, Chapel Hill, NC; Tim Baker, Portland, OR; and Laura Baker, Denver, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Borden and Jim; and her sister, Evelynn. Memorials may be made to the Nashua Public Library, 220 Brasher St., Nashua, IA 50658 or the Iowa Department for the Blind, Attention: Carolyn Hicklin, 524 Fourth Street, Des Moines, IA 50309.