Nancy L. Vargas

In Loving Memory of Nancy Vargas - 

      Nancy Vargas passed away peacefully at home with family by her side on June 1, 2025. She was 73 years old. Born Nancy Lorayn Anderson on December 12, 1951, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Robert McClelland Anderson and Betty Louise (Sears), the family eventually moved to Independence Missouri where she graduated from Truman High School in 1970. Her family later relocated to Longmont, Colorado where she completed her Bachelors of Arts degree at the University of Northern Colorado in 1975. 

     Nancy met her future husband, Jesus (Jesse) “Chu Cho” Ruben Vargas-Ramos while working in Longmont. Nancy became a school teacher with an emphasis in Special Education. She did her student teaching in Colorado. She later interviewed many places before accepting a position in Saratoga in 1976. Nancy and Jesse were married in June of 1977 in Longmont Colorado by her father Robert. Their son Luke was born in 1981 in Laramie, Wyoming. Nancy was a loving mother, teacher and friend. She touched the lives of many students throughout her career teaching at each of the Saratoga schools. Over the decades, a steady stream of former students would stop by "Mrs. Vargas'" home to share their life adventures and to visit their favorite teacher. She retired from Carbon County School District #2 in 2014 after 38 years of service. 

     Nancy was a fluent Spanish speaker and would often help others with translation and sorting through emergencies when language barriers were present. Nancy had may passions in life including horses, Persian cats, and all things Native American. She was a music lover and talented singer and guitar player. Her passion for Native American art and culture lead her to sponsor families and clothing drives for the benefit of the Wind River Reservation. After retirement Nancy proudly volunteered at Bridge Street Bargains and held the position of student volunteer coordinator.

      Nancy was preceded in death by her loving husband Jesse Vargas, Father Robert McClelland Anderson, and Mother Betty Louise (Sears). Nancy is survived by her son, Luke Vargas of Saratoga and her cat Yeti. Sisters Kathryn Millner (Charles d.2020) Loveland, Colorado, Elizabeth Christian (Steven) Longmont, Colorado and Robert Anderson (Irina) Minneapolis, Minnesota and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers please make a tribute donation to the American Indian College Fund (https://collegefund.org/) in memory of Nancy.

     A memorial service to honor Nancy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM in Saratoga, Wyoming, Saturday, June 14th 2025 at the Saratoga cemetery chapel. The family invites all who knew and loved Nancy to attend. Meal to follow at St. Ann’s Parish Hall.