Nanny, Gay Rahmes Varjenski, was born in Hamilton, Ohio, in 1943 to two of the best parents there ever were, better known to us as Goosie and Grandpa Laird. She passed January 30, 2026.

From the very beginning, she was shaped by strength, loyalty, and a deep sense of family values she carried fiercely throughout her life. She had one brother, and in true Nanny fashion, she cared for him during the final months of his battle with cancer. She never hesitated to make the trip to California, ensuring he felt loved as he left this earth.

She was the proud mother of four children, Jamie Kelly (Mike), Jill Riggs (Travis), Lori Yoakley (Deric); three daughters and her oldest, a son, Jimmy, whom she loved dearly and who preceded her in death, also on January 30th. In true nanny fashion, she held on to leave the earth the same date, 18 years later, as her only son did.

As a single mother, Nanny did what she always did. She handled what needed to be done. She courageously packed up her life and her four children and traveled across the country on her own to settle in Pottsville. She was brave. She was unapologetic. And she was ours.

Nanny adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She traveled to ball games, showed up to care for sick ones, and never missed an opportunity to make sure everyone had clean laundry. If you were friends with anyone in her family, she made sure her influence touched you too. In time, she became Nanny to many of her children's, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren's friends.

Nanny's delivery was not always warm and fuzzy, but she was the place where you landed. When you needed her famous tacos, (again) clean laundry washed with specificity like no other, or a very clear reminder of what she expected of you, Nanny delivered. Her famous words, "follow through," were never just about basketball. We all knew better. She meant life, and she made sure we did exactly that.

During her working years, Nanny was employed at ConAgra. She did not have a college degree, but she made it her mission that none of us would "pluck chickens our whole life." In her own way, sometimes firm, sometimes unexpected, she pushed us forward with the same strong will and courage she carried herself. Because of her, every one of her children, grandchildren, and even the great-grandchildren, old enough today, holds at least one college degree. That is her legacy.

Some of the most meaningful memories with Nanny didn't have to be grand at all. Yard sales together, bargain shopping at Walmart, and watching her take care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren when they were sick. Those moments live on in all of us. Nanny's imprint on this family is permanent, and her influence will be carried forward for generations. She will be missed forever.

All services are private and arrangements are under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 222 John Babish Lane, Russellvillle, AR  72801.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.