Nancy B. RainierDiagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer just over a year ago, Nancy Bates Rainier responded to the news just as she had responded throughout her life to any challenges foolish enough to place themselves in her path… with limitless optimism, a refusal to feel sorry for herself for even a moment, and a deep appreciation of the miracles that came with every new day.She passed away at home on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, with several members of the family close-at-hand.Nancy was born on January 7, 1933 in Lansing, MI, to the late Marjorie (Marge) Sleeper Bates and George W Bates, II. She grew up in Fowler, IN and graduated from Fowler High School in 1951 before attending Stephens College in Colombia, MO, graduating in 1953 with a degree in Fashion Design and Management.Filled with compassion and an enduring desire to serve and support others, Nancy made friends easily and maintained contact with many. She cared deeply and was very involved in her community. She was an active member of Tri Kappa for 64 years, established the Benton County Cancer Association in which she was actively involved for over 45 years. She served on the Board for the Benton County Country Club and the Fowler Zoning Board of Appeals, as well as many other philanthropic and community organizations.Nancy embraced and enjoyed life to its fullest, recognizing every day as a gift and opportunity to both find and bring joy into the lives of others. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, as well as a caring friend and helping hand to countless others. She was devoted to and deeply proud of every member of her extended family, reaching out and deeply touching the lives of each and every one.Her passions were plentiful, and certainly included travel, where she managed to visit her children and extended family despite their propensity to scatter across the country. She extended her desire for adventure across the oceans, visiting many places in Europe, Spain, and the Caribbean Islands. She loved her annual trek to Florida spent with the "Bridge Broads". In short, she immersed herself in the world and it loved her back.She was an avid reader, loved playing games and puzzles with family, and was a passionate civic citizen who never hesitated to take foolishness to task by writing letters to newspaper editors and public representatives to make her feelings known.Nancy is survived by her husband of 62 years, James (Jim) Rainier of Fowler; daughters Deborah "Deb" Davis (husband John) of Scottsdale, AZ; Ann Tice (husband Andy) of Plainfield, IN; Kathryn "Kitty" Cooper (husband Jeff) of West Lafayette, IN; son, Brad Rainier (wife Michele) of Ft. Worth, TX; a brother George W Bates, III (wife Kathy). Nancy dearly loved her ten grandchildren, Joshua, Joel, Jordan, and Sarah Davis; Christopher, Jessica, and Shawn Tice; Kaiti and Cole Cooper; Lauren Reynhout (Rainier); and two great-grandchildren, Athan and Atticus Davis.A private family gathering will take place this Saturday at the Windler Funeral Home in Fowler. A celebration of Nancy's life with friends and family will take place at a future date, at the Benton County Country Club. Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton County Cancer Association, P.O. Box 324, Boswell, IN 47921 or the Benton County Country Club, 602 W. 4th St., Fowler, IN 47944.