Nancy Jean Couts

Nancy Jean Couts (Blythe), 87, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, surrounded by her family. Nancy was born on January 2, 1939, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Catherine Blythe and William Blythe. She grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, alongside her brothers, Robert and Jim Blythe, and graduated from Turner High School in 1957. In 1958, she married the love of her life, Carl Couts, and together they built a life devoted to family and the many memories they created throughout their 59 years of marriage. Nancy and Carl were co-owners of Couts Inc. in Merriam, Kansas, working side by side for many years. Later in life, Nancy found joy working at Dandelions and Mud Puddles daycare center in Shawnee, Kansas, where she enjoyed caring for children and making a lasting impact on many young lives. Nancy loved to dance in her younger years, a passion that reflected her joyful and spirited nature. She also had a deep love for golf and was a member of Leavenworth Country Club for 25 years, spending many of her happiest days on the golf course with friends and family. Throughout her life, she cherished time spent with the many members of her growing family. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Couts, who passed away in 2017. In her later years, she was lovingly accompanied by her cat, Bobbie, who was gifted to her by her grandchildren and quickly became her constant companion. She is survived by her children: Carla Rene Chavez and her husband, Dan; Finley Christopher (Chris) Couts and his wife, Kim; and Mary Catherine (Cathy) Martocci and her husband, Paul. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Cristin Erdman (Steve), Matt Orscheln (Flavia), Katie Dormagen (Michael), Karly Couts-Clark (Ben), Chance Couts (Marissa), Tyler Hall (Sara), Kelsey Chelesnik (Mylan), and Kensey Mitchell (Cameron). Nancy was a proud great-grandmother to Emma, Avery, Everett, Henry, Logan, Moxie, Asher, Andie, Ella, and Jaxson. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Maple Hill Funeral Home, 3300 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, Kansas 66106. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Great Plains SPCA in Merriam, Kansas, where Nancy’s beloved cat Bobbie was adopted: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/greatplainsspca/ Nancy will be remembered for her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. She was often the life of the party, bringing sparkle and laughter wherever she went, but nothing meant more to her than being surrounded by her family and watching each generation grow.

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Nancy Jean Couts

January 2, 1939 - March 3, 2026