Nancy Ellen Botke

Nancy Ellen Botke, 80, of Beech Island, South Carolina (formerly of Holt, Michigan) passed away peacefully on 10/4/26, surrounded with the love of her family. 

Born on 03/07/1946 in Mason, Michigan, Nancy was the daughter of Mary Ellen (Dexter) Meddaugh and Charles McMann. She lived a life centered around faith, family, and love. 

She was a beloved mother, grandmother, Mamie, GiGi, sister, aunt, and friend whose greatest joy was her family. Nancy had a loving heart and beautiful smile. She will be remembered for the Rice Krispie treats and no bake cookies she loved to make for everyone, sipping on a cup of hot water or mocha with her perfectly pink nails, and her infamous lead foot. 

Nancy found her church family at Grace Church of Aiken soon after moving to the area in 2024. She lived by her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, even skydiving at nearly 70 years of age. She loved traveling, and was able to fulfill her lifelong bucket list trip to Alaska just prior to her brief illness and passing. 

Nancy is survived by her children: Michael (Angie) Tate, William Tate, Melissa (Brian) Felice, and Jin Sung(Jacob VandeHaar); grandchildren: Robert (Alison)Tate, Anthony Tate, Tyler Tate and Emily (Lindsey) Bolen, Sky and Forest VandeHaar; great-grandchildren: Jersie (Gavin) Straubinger, Saige Tate, Preston and Logan Tate, Nathan Coil, Kinsleigh and Blaklee Bolen; great-great grandson: Levi Straubinger; siblings Mary (Chester) Anderson, Chuck (Deb) Wells and Eileen (Steve) Delaney, along with many nieces and nephews that were all so very special to her. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Botke Jr., parents: Mary Ellen Meddaugh and Charles McMann; siblings: Mike McMann, Betty Elliott, Mark Smith, Dan Moelter and Marjorie Niceswander and grandson: Codey Tate. 

A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, October 17th, 2026 at Holt Christian Church, 2424 Washington Rd., Lansing, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Make-A-Wish of Michigan.   A memorial service for local friends and family will be held at a later date in Aiken.  

Her family will forever remember the love she gave so freely, the traditions she created, and the way she made each person feel deeply loved. Her legacy will continue through the generations she leaves behind.

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC