Nancy Jo (Corriell) Foutch, 85, of Woodbine, died on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, at Arbor Springs of West Des Moines. She was born on Sept. 20, 1940, in Muscatine, to Lester and Marcella (Sprole) Corriell, and grew up on the family farm near Atalissa. Nancy attended country school from kindergarten through eighth grade, then attended and graduated from West Liberty High School where she was active in music and was a member of the National Honor Society. Nancy went on to attend Iowa State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in child development and was a member of Sigma Alpha Iota Sorority. Later, Nancy attended Dana College in Blair, Neb., where she earned certification to teach K–12 in Iowa. On Dec. 2, 1961, Nancy married Vern Wil-liam Foutch, and they moved to their farm east of Woodbine, where they lived and worked for over 30 years before building their dream house in Woodbine to retire.
Nancy lived a life marked by devotion to family, music, education and community. She began piano lessons at the age of five, started playing piano in church at eight, and grew into an accomplished pianist whose gifts would bless countless people for over 70 years. She accompanied and helped coach hundreds of vocal and band students for middle school and high school competitions. She accompanied “The Noteables” and church choirs for many years and played piano for countless weddings, funerals, and other events. Whether in church, on stage, in a classroom, or at a family gathering, Nancy’s piano playing brought beauty, comfort and joy.
Nancy started and operated a pre-school in Woodbine with Mary Poe, creating a place for early learning and care for young children. Nancy then went on to work as a substitute teacher at Woodbine’s schools for more than 40 years. Between her teaching and work with the music program, Nancy was a fixture at the school daily throughout her three sons’ educations, and for years thereafter. She served on the Woodbine Library Board, participated in United Methodist Women, was a lifelong member of P.E.O., and served as president of the State of Iowa Chapter of the P.E.O. She was a life-member of the Iowa State Alumni Association and loved all things Iowa State! Nancy served as Mrs. Santa Claus for Woodbine holiday events for over 10 years. She was involved in 4H in her own youth and through her son’s school years and found pleasure and purpose in quilting, cooking, and sewing. She was a talented seamstress, making many of her own clothes. She was known for baking incredible “el-ephant ears.” She also had a special fondness for dogs, especially her three St. Bernards.
Like her parents, Nancy also loved to travel. She and Vern travelled all over the United States, including trips to see her boys in several States, and other family in Alaska. She visited 19 different countries with Vern and went on to visit Egypt and China on her own. She also co-piloted with Vern in their private plane and took flight instruction up through (but not including!!) the final solo flight.
Nancy will be remembered not only for what she did, but for the spirit with which she did it. She brought accomplishment without pretense, dedication without fanfare, and warmth to the many circles of life she touched.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Vern Foutch; grandson, Maxwell Foutch; and sister, Jane Corriell. She is survived by her sons, Scott Foutch of Weston, Mo., Shawn Foutch and his wife Meg of Johnston, and their children Jacob Foutch, Abigail (Marcus) Welk, and Elizabeth (Cole) Tramp, and Steven Foutch and his wife Mary Jane of Kansas City, Mo., and their children Jackson Foutch and Honor (Austin) Kolvek; and her brother, Wayne Corriell and his wife Patricia of Atalissa, and their children Dan and Suzanne; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held for Nancy on Monday, Sept. 28, at the United Methodist Church in Woodbine. Pastor Nikki Ahart officiated the service, with Beth Fouts sharing family memories. Music for the service included congregational hymns, selections sung by The Notables, and special musical selections by Dana McElwain and Kelley Baldwin. Nancy’s final resting place will be at the Woodbine Cemetery.
Services entrusted to Fouts Funeral Home. www.foutsfuneralhome.com.
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