Helen “Nancy” Joy Vanskike

February 8, 1932 - September 4, 2015

Helen Joy “Nancy” Phillips Vanskike, our beloved mother and grandmother, of Galveston, passed away Friday, September 4, 2015, in Brenham, TX. She was 83 years old.

Nancy was born February 8, 1932 to Helen and Elmer Phillips, Sr. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1949. Nancy was married to James Deckard, Sr. and later married Harry Vanskike, Sr. She worked for many years at US National Bank, and later, partnered with her husband, Harry, to run Vanskike Security Company in Galveston. Nancy loved to cook and entertain for friends and family, and she loved to travel. She will be greatly missed.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Helen Phillips; sister, Tishua Phillips Rowe; brother, Sonny Phillips; and husbands, James Deckard, Sr. and Harry Vanskike, Sr.

She is survived by her two sons, Jim Deckard and wife, Janet, of Texas City; and Robert Deckard and wife, Nancy, of Burton, TX; stepsons, Harry Vanskike, Jr. and Larry Vanskike; grandchildren: Wendy Deckard Valenzuela (Jerry), Jolie Dampier, Dana Deckard Hernandez (Raul), Ginger Deckard, Daniel Deckard, Sue Vanskike, and Kitty Vanskike; seven great grandchildren; lifelong friend, Gloria Wagner; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Nancy’s family will receive visitors beginning at 12:00 Noon, Friday, September 11th, at Malloy & Son Funeral Home.

A funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm at the funeral home with burial following at Galveston Memorial Park in Hitchcock.

Pallbearers will be Robert Deckard, Jim Deckard, Daniel Deckard, Jerry Valenzuela, and Raul Hernandez.

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Helen Joy “Nancy” Phillips Vanskike, our beloved mother and grandmother, of Galveston, passed away Friday, September 4, 2015, in Brenham, TX. She was 83 years old. Nancy was born February 8, 1932 to Helen and Elmer Phillips, Sr. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1949. Nancy was married to James Deckard, Sr. and later marriedContinue Reading

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Hi; Sorry for our lose... Sorry I've been out of touch for so long...! A refresher; I worked for 'Vanskike Security Company' in Galveston at the same time I worked as the night manager of 'Gunsmoke'. I lived in Galveston with my father (Richard Cobb), in the summers, starting in 1968. The last time I spent time with dad, I came down, found work with V.S.Co. and when I got on at Gunsmoke I brought down my wife Rosalie (Woodworth). Old Harry... LOL... As soon as my wife got in town, put me on that old Work Barge for 10 days and nights... That was wild! I worked closely with Nancy... Last we spoke was the last time I proofed my resume. It would have fit the timeline as I remember. My hurt goes out to all close to Nancy. And I feel the loss too...! believe me! So, I remember some of the best years of my life!!! Over the long run, I should in Galveston. Running that Switch Board for the Security System was a trip back in the early 1980s...! Nancy drilled me till I could do it in my sleep, LOL then docked me for room and board, when she caught me asleep... LOL... O, God... Those were the times... ... Now, down to why I am once again proofing my resume; I am now retired @ 62, and looking for places to go to escape the BRRR! Back home again is just such a place, but only if there are still memories of me. Mostly, the reason I've been gone so long is due to, living my life for me wifes' family... it has been good. So... If anyone there still remembers me, I'd sure love to spend a winter there... or more. I'll be looking for some work (ON THE SIDE). Or we may go to Rosalie's brothers in Ocala, Florida. Condolences Michael G & Rosalie Dawson Call me at 309-203-6332

The most beautiful person I have ever known.

We are so sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort continue to be with you and your family during this difficult time. We all look forward to a time when death will be no more- a Rev 21:4. Our prayers are with you.

Our thoughts remain with you and your family at this time. We are honored by the trust and confidence you have placed in us during this difficult time. – The Staff of Malloy Funerals & Cremations