Nancy Lee (Rook) Robbins, 75, of Herculaneum died Aug. 2, 2025, after a valiant battle with cancer of the bone marrow since the spring of 2022. Mrs. Robbins was known as a giver; she worked as a nurse for many years and gave a kidney to her husband in 1995, after which he lived another 19 years. Not only did she care for him after the transplant, but she cared for others as well. After the death of her husband, she went back to college at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis and received a master’s degree in Christian ministry at the age of 70. Born Sept. 11, 1949, in Oklahoma City, Okla., she was the daughter of the late LeRoy Rook and Jane (Seemans) Rook.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years: Johnnie F. Robbins; and many other relatives
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Valerie Robbins and Todd Bennett of Herculaneum; three brothers: David (Diane) Rook of Portsmouth, Va., Bill (Dell) Rook of Edmond, Okla., and Bob (Carol) Rook of Hemet, Calif.; an aunt: Gloria Cox of Shawnee, Okla.; two sisters-in-law: Linda Thomas of Puxico and Glenda Scott of Hornersville; and a numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service at The Rock of NEA in Jonesboro, Ark., will be held at a later date. Mrs. Robbins' former pastor, Jeff Watson of Jonesboro, Ark., will officiate the services at the church. A private burial service will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery, outside of Steele. Memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. Interment arrangements are under the direction of the family. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel in Festus.