Nancy G. Holland

Nancy Gaines Holland, 85, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 at her home with her sons by her side.

Nancy was born January 2, 1941, in Joplin, Missouri to Eugene and Emma (Myers) Gaines. She grew up in Joplin alongside her twin brother, Gene, forming a close family bond that remained important throughout her life. Nancy graduated from Joplin High School in the Class of 1959. She then attended Kansas University where she obtained a degree in education.

Nancy met, fell in love, and was united in marriage to Michael Shaffer Holland on February 5, 1972 in Kansas City, Kansas. This union was blessed with two sons; Michael II and Gene. They made their home in Russell. Michael preceded her in death on June 7, 2007.

Shortly after graduation from KU, she taught elementary school in Kansas City, Kansas for four years before moving to Russell. She resumed her teaching at the Trinity United Methodist church as a Sunday school teacher in Russell and taught many children over the years.

Nancy’s professional career included being the CEO of NGH Operations and Manager of Holland Farms.

Her community was her main focus in life, where she served on the Russell City Council for over 12 years. Nancy was a Co-Founder of Russell Main Street and lead the revitalization of downtown and Lamp Post project. Nancy and Mike were lifelong supporters of the Holland Fund for Russell Regional Hospital and she was a Co-Chair of the Campaign for Excellence to build the Physicians Clinic. Founder of the Friends of Deines Cultural Center nonprofit organization, as she inspired many young artists with her own artistic talents she used throughout the years in fine arts, architectural and landscape design. She served on the Russell Community Theatre board and was a major sponsor of the Ad Astra Concert Series. Nancy was active with the Post Rock Family Services and was a member of the local P.E.O Chapter HD. She supported the Bronco Vocational Training Fund with the Russell High School, the Nancy Holland Fund For The Arts with USD 407, and was very active in the Russell County Area Community Foundation. She served on the Russell County Hospital Board, the Russell Chamber of Commerce board and received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Nancy’s surviving family include her two sons, Michael Shaffer Holland, II (Nadia) of Russell, Kansas and Gene Gaines Holland (Mary) of Golden, Colorado; four grandchildren, Elsie Holland, Cole Michael Holland, Zane Colvin and Jack Colvin.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; husband Michael; and twin brother, Gene Gaines.

Nancy Gaines Holland will be remembered for her loving spirit and unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched, the communities she strengthened, and the family she loved.

Celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell. Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to the R.C.A.C.F. may be sent to the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, 610 N. Maple St. * Russell, Kansas 67665 is in charge of the funeral arrangements.