Nancy (Chrastil) Vallis  
Nancy Marie (Chrastil) Vallis
Married to John Charles Vallis for 47 years, LHS Class of 1955.
Children: David Christopher Vallis, 42, Lincoln. Cynthia Diane Cecava, 39, Lincoln. Four Grandchildren.
WORK: Worked in the office at Bankers Life of Iowa Insurance Company for six years. (It's currently called Principal Financial Group). Quit to have first child. After the birth and death of our first son, Michael (age 8 months) I went back to work as the Secretary to the Director of the University of Nebraska Computing Center. The Center was fairly new at that time and this was an entirely new experience for me. I quit a year later to have our next son, David. We've always joked that those computers definitely can have an affect on you as our son was interested in computers at a very early age and later went on to develop his own computer software business. After his birth, we had a daughter and I stayed home with them until they were teenagers. I returned to the work force in 1979, working for the Nebraska Department of Roads. I retired in Dec. 2000 after serving as the Secretary for the Purchasing & Supply Division for 21 & 1/2 years.
Through the years I have worked as a volunteer for several groups: My husband and I are both lifetime members of GSUSA (Girl Scouts of the USA) and we continue to work with them here in Lincoln and at their Camp & Retreat Center in Nebraska City. As a volunteer for the past 35 years, I was a Girl Scout leader for my daughter's troop for five years and most currently, a leader with my granddaughter's troop for six years. I served on the Board of Directors for Homestead Council for six years, five as Board Secretary and one as the Second Vice President. Both John and I have been involved in the Girl Scout Cookies Distribution Program for 10 years. I am a Member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the American Legion Auxiliary 8&40. I have served each group as its President and for the past few years, and currently, as each group's Secretary and treasurer. I have also served as the Department of Nebraska Chapeau (President) of the ALA 8&40. Our ALA Auxiliary works to provide services for the Veterans and their families and the ALA 8&40 works to secure funds for children with Cystic Fibrosis and other lung and respiratory diseases. We have belonged to St. Mark's United Methodist Church for the past 45 years and we both enjoy volunteering there. Being a member of our Adult choir and enjoying the fellowship and friendship of this 110 member choir brings lots of joy to my heart. In addition to working on our high school 50th Reunion this past year, I have been working on our church's 50th anniversary celebration which is also happening in October 2006.
INTERESTS: Enjoying time with our children and grandchildren is definitely a highlight of my life. Every year when I bake them a birthday cake and add one more candle to that cake, it really makes life worthwhile!
Significant Events: The most significant event in my life was marrying my husband John. He's the best thing that has ever happened to me. Next to him is the birth of our children and grandchildren. The death of our first child made significant changes in our lives. You either retreat or go forward after a death and we actually grew in love and understanding.
Honors: In April 1986, I received a Community Service Award for Volunteer work with the Girl Scouts. In 1989 I received the Thanks Badge II, which is the National Girl Scout Council's Highest Award for volunteers. 2000 - I received an Admiralship in The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska.
CHANGES: We hope everyone has changed since those high school years. In addition to the graying hair, which some of us choose not to color, and those added pounds which are harder for some of us to remove than others, we have also grown by learning how to cope with life's lessons which happen each and every day. But most of all, with age, we grow to appreciate the little things in life. Being able to get up in the morning and having to check that calendar to see where you have to be for the day is great. To be needed is wonderful and makes life worthwhile. When we give, we also receive!
MISSES: My black and white saddle shoes! I started every September of my elementary through high school years with a new pair of those shoes.
REFLECTIONS: "Before I criticize someone, I walk a mile in their shoes. That way, if they get angry, they're a mile away and barefoot!" (Author unknown)