Nancy Lou Gerth, 75, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Saturday, October 17th, at her home surrounded by family.

Nancy was born in Winona, MN on April 1, 1945, a daughter of the late Ethel (Meier) and Oscar Gerth.

Nancy moved to Rocky Ford 14 years ago and was immediately welcomed into the Baca family. Nancy comes from a small family living in Minnesota and was raised by her dad after losing her mom to cancer when Nancy was 11 years of age. She did not know what it was like to have a mom or be surrounded by many family members and was blessed with living that experience. In her younger years, Nancy was an avid golfer having won several club and city championships in Winona, Minnesota for years. She also loved paying slot machines, and her favorite card game was Euchre.

She began her life - long career with the Winona School District as a part-time employee in food service and worked her way up to the Director of the Food Service Department, the position she had for over 20 years. Nancy retired from the school district after 32 years of service. Nancy said that the districts children were hers and she would make sure that the food they liked was on a regular rotation on the menu. She was very fond of the staff she supervised and referred to them as "food service family."

Nancy had many accomplishments in her life, and this could go on listing many of them, however, her greatest accomplishment was her ability to love everyone and she was loved in return by many. Nancy had a caring, giving heart and would do anything she could to help others. She loved all her Baca family and was especially fond of Jeanette (Mamanett), and Peggy Sue. Her absence is felt deeply by all and we are happy that she is at peace and is with her beloved maker in heaven. Nancy, you will be missed.

She is survived by: Life Companion Carmalita Baca, of Rocky Ford, CO; Sister - in - Law Teresa (Eric) Espinoza, of Denver, CO; Sister - in - law Jeanette Baca, of Rocky Ford, CO; Sister - in- Law Diane (John) Lopez, of Rocky Ford,; Sister - in - Law Shirley Baca of Wheatridge, CO; Brother - in - Law Richard Baca, of Rocky Ford, CO; Sister - in - Law Peggy Baca, of Denver, CO; Brother - in - Law Robert Baca, of Pueblo, CO; Special Nieces Katherine (Eric Gonzales) Rubio and Savanna Romero. She is also survived by 40 Nieces and Nephews; 60 Great - Nieces and Nephews

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; Mother - in - Law: Vera Baca; Brother: Robert Gerth; Friend Vonn Carpenter.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 26th at Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO with Pastor John Dell officiating. Inurnment will be in the Valley View Cemetery, Rocky Ford, CO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wild Animal Sanctuary; 2999 County Road 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643 or through the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.