Dr. Nancy Bramley Hiebert

Dr. Nancy Bramley Hiebert, beloved wife, devoted mother and grandmother, and esteemed community leader died peacefully on May 13, 2026 in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born on December 4,1941, in Hutchinson, Kansas to Harold and Lois Daile (Kitch) Bramley.

Nancy had a wholesome, modest upbringing on a farm in Plevna, Kansas where she learned the fundamental values of kindness and respect for others, responsibility, hard work, academic excellence, and community service. While growing up, she and her extended family often gathered to celebrate special occasions and travel together to Colorado. Throughout her childhood, she was a member of the Huntsville Methodist Church, where she received perfect attendance Sunday school medals and accompanied the congregation on the piano. She was an active member of 4H for many years. At Plevna High School, Nancy was a drum majorette and valedictorian of the Class of 1959. At graduation, she received an award for six consecutive years of perfect attendance from Grades 6-12.

Nancy was a lifelong learner and champion of higher education. Her academic prowess proved itself as she obtained four college degrees over three decades, a pursuit that not only demonstrated her intellectual drive but also her commitment to breaking barriers for women in higher education. She attended the University of Kansas from 1959-1963 where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. In 1977, Nancy completed a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of Kansas and in 1982, she earned a PhD in Educational Psychology and Research. Later, she completed a Master of Business Administration degree in the selective Executive Fellows program from Rockhurst University further positioning herself as a leader.

While attending the University of Kansas, Nancy met her future husband, John Hiebert, on a blind date to a Sigma Alpha Epsilon luau party. Nancy married John Blake Hiebert, August 25,1962. The couple shared 63 years of marriage, raising their family while living in Overland Park, Shawnee Heights, and eventually settling in Lawrence into a beautiful home they have owned for 49 years. They had two children, Eric and Rebecca (Becky).

Early in her career Nancy was an Ob-Gyn staff nurse for The University of Kansas Medical Hospital where she also taught nursing and parent education classes. She later served for two years as a school nurse in the Shawnee Mission School District and as a Montessori preschool teacher at the Johnson County Preschool and Kindergarten, and while working on her PhD, she worked at the Emily Taylor Center for Women at the University of Kansas. In 1988, Nancy, along with her husband established Preventive Cardiology, P.A., the first cardiology practice in Lawrence, where she was Chief Operating Officer until the practice was acquired by Cardiovascular Consultants of Kansas City. Recognized for her expertise in healthcare administration, she later became the Community Affairs and Marketing Coordinator and subsequently the acting Chief Operating Officer for Columbia Mount Oread at the Medical Arts Centre in Lawrence.

Nancy’s interest in politics and public policy took root early, as she joined women’s marches championing the Equal Rights Amendment and worked with marginalized communities. This

early civic engagement foreshadowed a life of dedicated public service. Nancy was elected twice to the Douglas County Commission serving from 1983-1991. As a commissioner, she was instrumental in securing funding for and the creation of the Southwest Lawrence Trafficway, and was noted for her accomplishment in making commission meeting agendas public and transparent, a practice previously not in place. Nancy governed from the middle and was supported and respected by citizens across the political spectrum. In recognition of her commitment to open government and public access, she was appointed in March of 1992 to the Kansas Commission on Judicial Qualifications. Throughout her public service, she consistently championed policies that promoted equity, and transparency, earning her a reputation as a leader who fought for the underrepresented while building bridges across divides.

Nancy was engaged civically and served on numerous boards and commissions including: The Kansas Children and Youth Action Advisory Board, to which she was appointed by then-governor, John Carlin; the Research Institute and Advisory Board of the School of Nursing KU Medical School; the KU Alumni Association National Board of Directors; the 7th District Judicial Nominating Commission; the Kansas Tax Review Commission; the Douglas County Bank Board; the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce Executive Board; Lawrence/Douglas County National Heritage Area Committee; the Spencer Museum of Arts Board, among many others. She was also a member of the 1986 Leadership Kansas Class. In addition, Nancy actively campaigned and organized fundraisers for local, state and federal political candidates, often focusing on those who advanced civil rights, women's equality, and social justice.

Those who worked alongside Nancy in business, civic organizations, and fundraising efforts often remarked on her ability to inspire action and accomplish goals both behind the scenes and directly. She was widely respected as a poised and professional leader with exceptional initiative, resourcefulness and integrity.

In her personal life, Nancy enjoyed gardening and landscaping around her home, autumn trips with her husband to New England, visits to New York City, get-a-ways to Colorado in the summer, and evening walks on the KU campus. She loved jazz, and maintained active memberships in Kansas City Jazz organizations. As an avid reader, she spent hours reading the many newspapers to which she subscribed, and spent many days browsing bookstores. She and her husband John were deeply involved in their children’s and granddaughters’ activities and educational pursuits.

Her grandchildren fondly remember their “Nana”, as someone with an encyclopedic knowledge of plants, flowers and birds. She would expose them to nature at an early age through walks around KU and the Mt. Oread neighborhood. She shared with them her love of music, American history and art history, and fostered their curiosity and creativity. They recall visits to the KU Natural History Museum, zoos, bookstores, Penny Annie’s candy shop, and grocery stores where Nancy encountered friends and acquaintances and would always introduce and include them in conversations. On rainy days together, they delighted in cozy afternoons watching Winnie the Pooh videocassette tapes and other wholesome classic films.

Nancy lived her values every single day. She fought for women's rights, lifted her community, cherished her family, and embraced learning as a lifelong gift. She will always be remembered for her strength and unwavering grace: as a woman of conviction, a loyal friend, a loving wife, devoted mother, a cherished grandmother, and a community leader whose impact will be felt for generations.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. John Hiebert; her parents; and her sister, Cheryl Ann Bramley Jones. She is survived by her son, Eric Hiebert and wife Cynthia of Lawrence, Kansas; her daughter, Rebecca Hiebert of Omaha, Nebraska; four grandchildren: Natalie Hiebert Vaughn (Collin), of Lawrence, Kansas; Katherine Hiebert, of Lawrence, Kansas; Mallory Hiebert Unruh (Jacob) of Baldwin City, Kansas; Brynn Ludwick of Omaha, Nebraska; and two great grandchildren, Michael and Laney Unruh.

The family is planning a private inurnment at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka, KS. Memorials may be made to Operation Wildlife, or the Kansas University Spencer Art Museum, both in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.