Nancy L. Bugger

Nancy L. Bugger, 80, of Effingham, passed away on March 12, 2026, at her home.

Born on January 13, 1946, in Highland, Nancy was the daughter of Harold “Bud” and Grace (Italiano) Brendel. She married Robert O. “Bob” Bugger on July 12, 1969. Early in her working years, she was employed at Harley-Davidson dealerships, a position that matched her lifelong passion for motorcycles. After moving to Effingham, she spent nearly 30 years as a bus driver for Unit 40 Schools, a job she deeply enjoyed. She later partnered with her husband, Bob, to provide state classroom training for public transportation for 10 years.

Nancy found great joy in time spent with her family, extended family, and many friends. She loved riding motorcycles, attending dirt track races, and was a devoted fan of Elvis Presley, frequently attending impersonator shows. She also shared her husband’s interest in restoring old cars and motorcycles. One of her greatest pleasures was driving her cherished 1962 Imperial convertible.

She is survived by her husband, Bob of Effingham; her son, Robert M. “Bobby” of Effingham; her daughter, Crystal (Brian) Robbins of Shumway; grandchildren Barbara (Blaine) Koester, Coral (Tanner) Thoele, Bryse (Mackensie) Bugger, Maysn (Claire) Bugger, and Kenny Robbins; great-grandchildren Jayse Koester, Tryson Thoele, Tripp Thoele, Harper Bugger, Addelyn Bugger, Bryley Koester, and Barrett Bugger; her sister, Lynn (Mike) Straub of Troy; and her sister-in-law, Brenda Wilburn of Collinsville. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Jerry Brendel.