Nancy L. Bugger, 80, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026 at her home in Effingham.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Shumway, with Fr. Adam Prichard officiating. Following the Mass, family and friends are invited to gather for a celebration of Nancy’s life at the Shumway Kluthe Building, where a potluck-style luncheon will be shared in her memory. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are in the care of Bauer Funeral Home.
Nancy was born January 13, 1946 in Highland, the daughter of Harold “Bud” and Grace (Italiano) Brendel. She married Robert O. “Bob” Bugger on July 12, 1969. Before moving to Effingham, she worked at Harley-Davidson dealerships, a job that reflected her lifelong passion for motorcycles. After settling in Effingham, she spent nearly 30 years as a bus driver for Unit 40 Schools, a role she truly enjoyed. Nancy also teamed with her husband, Bob, providing state classroom training for public transportation for 10 years.
Outside of work, she cherished time spent with her family, extended family, and many friends. She loved motorcycle riding, attending dirt track races, and was a huge fan of Elvis Presley, often attending Elvis impersonator shows. Nancy also enjoyed working on old cars and motorcycles alongside her husband. Another joy in Nancy’s life was her dream car—a 1962 Imperial convertible—which she loved driving whenever she had the chance.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Bob of Effingham, son, Robert M. “Bobby” of Effingham, daughter, Crystal (Brian) Robbins of Shumway, grandchildren, Barbara (Blaine) Koester, Coral (Tanner) Thoele, Bryse (Mackensie) Bugger, Maysn (Claire) Bugger, and Kenny Robbins, great-grandchildren, Jayse Koester, Tryson Thoele, Tripp Thoele, Harper Bugger, Addelyn Bugger, Bryley Koester, and Barrett Bugger; sister, Lynn (Mike) Straub of Troy and sister-in-law, Brenda Wilburn of Collinsville.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Jerry Brendel.
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