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Nancy

Nancy J. Lyons

Nancy passed away unexpectedly, Saturday, August 19, 2023, from injuries sustained in a car accident along with her brother, Gene.

She was born July 16, 1939 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Charles and Florence (DeLong) Hale. Nancy worked for Gibson Guitar for 15 years and Stryker for 25 years until her retirement in 2003. Nancy loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting events.

She also liked exercising, travel and socializing with her many friends. Nancy was a longtime member of the Otsego United Methodist Church and the Red Hat Society. On July 12, 1958 in Gobles she married Everett “Ron” Lyons who passed away in May 2022.

Surviving are her children, Kathy Lyons and Jeff Lyons; 3 grandchildren, Lacee (Steven Hatto) Lyons, Stephanie (Alex) Perry and Shane Lyons; 5 great-grandchildren, Calihan, Caine, Adrienne, Otto and Wes; siblings, Mary, David, Bob, Pam and Bev; sisters-in-law, Donna and Linda along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Rodney and siblings, Gene, Sharon, Dick, Bud and Arlene.

Friends may visit with Nancy’s family from 4-7 PM, Friday, August 25, 2023 at the Winkel Funeral Home, Otsego.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 26, 2023 at the Otsego United Methodist Church, with Pastor Jeremy Africa officiating.

Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Plainwell.

Contributions in memory of Nancy may be made to Otsego United Methodist Church, the Barn Theater or to the charity of your choice.

Messages of condolence may be posted at

www.WinkelFuneralHome.com

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Offer Condolence for the family of Nancy J. Lyons

Condolence Messages

Jessica Sweet (Thomson)

August 21, 2023 at 1:54 pm

Very sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. I worked with her at Stryker. She was a joy to know and her smile could light up a room.

Reply

Sandy and Dan Fleming

August 21, 2023 at 2:29 pm

Kathy, Jeff and families, Dan and I are so very sorry to hear of your mothers passing. My husband and I both worked with your mother at Gibson Guitar and have known both your father and mother for a very long time, We send our deepest and most sincere sympathy to all. Sending prayers to you all.

Reply

Jim & Bonnie Hoffman

August 21, 2023 at 2:41 pm

Dear Nancy’s family, our hearts are so broken that we along with her family have lost such a sweet, loving , and caring lady. I (Jim) just adored her and the silly names we called each other! You will be so missed, we truly found a special friend in Christ and will never forget you. Rest in Peace you Wonderful friend (aka Lois!!) Jim and Bonnie Hoffman

Reply

ROBERT D HALE

August 21, 2023 at 3:26 pm

My condolences to the family. Mary was one of the many aunts on my side of the family. I liked talking with her and hearing the family stories I will miss her as well as my uncle Gene.

Reply

Agnes Vanarsdal

August 21, 2023 at 4:08 pm

To all Nancy’s family—

My deepest sympathy!! I knew Nancy , as we were both Red Hatters . Such an amazing lady . I got to see her earlier this summer at a red hat luncheon.

May God’s Almighty Grace be with each of you

Reply

Cindi Laws

August 21, 2023 at 4:12 pm

I am so sorry for your loss, Nancy was a joy to be around as I didn’t know her personally but she always made me feel like we were old friends. I will truly miss her smiling face and her happy giddyness. Rest in Peace Nancy you are with the Lord now. Cindi Laws

Reply

Larry hill

August 21, 2023 at 4:29 pm

We will miss Nancy. Such a sweet loving lady. Always had a hug for us and a “love you guys “

Larry and Fran Hill

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Joyce & Darl Gilliland

August 21, 2023 at 4:58 pm

Dear Nancy’s family, along with you we are heartbroken, too. Nancy was a go getter, always helping and lending a hand and wearing a beautiful smile. She loved helping with every activity at church: apple dumplings, the bazaar, dinners and funeral luncheons. She would always give you a big smile and a hug when she saw you. We know she’s working hard in Heaven; giving hugs and whatever needs organizing will be taken care of. We’ll miss you Nancy, until we meet again at Jesus’ feet. Much love and many prayers to her family.

Reply

Nyla

August 21, 2023 at 5:12 pm

Nancy was one of my very closest friends. Her caring and kindness is unmatched. She was a huge part of our church family…. There was no job she wasn’t up for. She will never be replaced. Welcoming smile, warm hugs, hands at work. She was the hands and feet of Jesus. I will miss her greatly and look forward to seeing that warm smile and getting a big hug from her at the gate!

I know she is so happy in the Lord’s loving arms

Reply

Sandy & Jack Seiler

August 21, 2023 at 5:52 pm

So sorry to hear of Nancy passing. She was so much fun back in the days we belonged to the Red Haters.

And so enjoyed seeing her and visiting with her at W W.

So sad.

Reply

Lorna & Craig Sisson

August 21, 2023 at 6:15 pm

Our hearts are so very heavy with the loss of such a dear and precious friend. Nancy always had a smile and encouraging word for everyone she met. . She was an inspiration to us and our entire church family. Her hugs, her caring ways, her “always ready to help” attitude leaves a hole than can never be filled. “Love ya”

was almost always here parting words, and they weren’t just words. You knew she meant it. Her outreach in missions, the “kitchen crew”

The “ Apple dumplin gang” and soo many others will be forever changed. May her family and church family find peace in the wonderful

Memories she gave us all. Our loss is heavens gain…. And her lovely, spunky spirit will shine down and be in our hearts always. We love and will miss you soo dear friend. ❤️

Lorna & Craig

Reply

Pat McGuire Miner

August 21, 2023 at 6:16 pm

My sincere sympathy to the family. Especially to Donna and Linda my dear friends.

Reply

Michele Pulver

August 21, 2023 at 6:35 pm

There are no words . . .

Rejoicing in Heaven and welcomed by your family and your best friend. You will be missed

Reply

Jeanette freeman

August 21, 2023 at 7:02 pm

Kathy this is Jeanette used to be Lewis but now freeman I’m so very sorry to hear of this tragic loss. She was a great friend

Reply

Lori Boulter Robinson

August 21, 2023 at 7:10 pm

Kathy and Jeff,

I was so sorry to read this news. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.

Reply

Linda & Fritz Spreitzer

August 21, 2023 at 7:21 pm

So sorry!!!

Nancy was a BLESSING to everyone and so caring!!!

Praying that God will wrap each of you in His loving arms and give you His strength and comfort!!!

Reply

Judy Johnson

August 21, 2023 at 7:28 pm

Nancy was always so thoughtful and kept her brothers and sisters together, with a family reunion every year. I was her sister-in-law at one time, but she would keep in touch. I’m so glad I went to the family reunion in July..

She is one special lady and will be missed by many. Loved her.. Judy Hale Johnson

Reply

Mrs. Jim Hewitt. (Patti Khodl)

August 21, 2023 at 7:40 pm

To Nancy’s family,

Shocked and saddened at the news. Nancy was a sweetheart! I will never understand why bad things happen to good people. She was caring, loving and giving of herself to so many people and activities. A rare person indeed. My heart goes out to her family and her brother’s family too in this double loss.

Reply

Colleen K. Ziemer

August 21, 2023 at 9:37 pm

To Nancy’s Family, Nancy was one of the sweetest, kindness people I know. I along with many others will miss her smile, hugs and kindness.

Reply

Kevin & Jeanne Lewis

August 22, 2023 at 9:21 am

Nancy will be truly missed especially her big hugs!

Reply

Diane McPherson

August 22, 2023 at 9:45 am

To Nancy’s family

One very generous and lovey lady that will be miss by many.

Always had a smile and a hug to brighten everyone’s day .

Reply

Nancy Hale

August 22, 2023 at 1:16 pm

Nancy was such a kind loving woman, friend to all. Nancy and her brother Gene were very special people, and will sadly be missed by all. Sincerely Nancy Hale Boven

Reply

Char Forbes

August 22, 2023 at 3:58 pm

Truly, a very special friend and lady! Nancy was always ready with a smile, a hug and a “love ya”. She radiated love from her very presence. Whether she was going through the best of times or a rough patch, she always sincerely asked about and devotedly prayed for others. She was a true example of Jesus’ love and I am so grateful to have shared this journey of faith with her. Until we meet again . . .

Reply

Randi Sue Deneau

August 22, 2023 at 4:48 pm

I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Nancy she was a very wonderful person she was in my red hatters group where we had wonderful times together she will certainly be missed

Reply

Tammy Leonard

August 22, 2023 at 7:01 pm

I’m so Thankful for Sweet Caring Nancy~

Her friendship with my mom… Mary Lou and her husband Curly was a Lifesaver for me! Their friendship starting At GIBSON Guitar and continued till their deaths! Such a Kind Loving Lady here on Earth in her Life and now a guardian Angel to all…

Hugs

Reply

Patty Turkd

August 24, 2023 at 8:45 am

Such a sad way to end her life. I worked at Stryker with Nancy we both left the same year. I would see her at the craft shows she would give me a hug and disapear. I will miss her .

Reply

Jo GOlden

August 24, 2023 at 9:13 am

Kathy I am so sorry for your loss my heart is with you all God bless you

Reply

David L Stratton

August 24, 2023 at 1:03 pm

I know no words to describe the sorrow felt by the tragic passing of dear Nancy. She was so loved by so many friends. I feel so blessed to have been been in a small part of her life. This year’s apple dumpling time will not be the same without her. She will always be in my memories and my heart. Her apple dumpling buddy, Dave

Reply

Bob and Judy Munch

August 24, 2023 at 10:11 pm

To Nancy’s family our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Nancy whom we considered a dear friend. She was such a special lady and we will miss her hugs, phone calls, cards and notes and her “love ya”. Her involvement in our church cannot be replaced.

She will always be in our hearts..

Judy and Bob( Mr. Gloves) Munch

Reply

Shelby Burton

August 25, 2023 at 3:23 pm

To the Family of Nancy Lyons,

Sorry for your loss.

Nancy and I became good friends while volunteering at the church. Her sense of humor, caring nature, and shared values made her a delight to be around. She confided in me often when we’d venture out for a girl’s getaway. I know she loved all of you, including the sometimes cantankerous Ron. Church will not be the same without her hugs and conversation. “It’s not my business, but…” then Nancy would spill her words of wisdom. Her actions and generosity showed she believed in helping others, building community, and God’s grace.

She is missed. May we all carry her torch forward.

Reply

Karine Carls

August 25, 2023 at 3:57 pm

I meet Nancy over 19 years at MCTI swimming pool where she attended my water aerobics class. She was always my cheerleader even when the pool closed. I loved getting notes in the mail from her. She was an amazing women who has a special place in my heart. I will miss her Santa clause sugar cookies and her hugs when I would run into her in town. She was such a wonderful blessing.

Reply

Deborah Rysenga

August 26, 2023 at 7:10 am

Nancy was a very sweet ,strong lady. She cared for many people. She was always there for me with kind words, uplifting thought. There is not many women like her. To her family sorry for the loss but you were very blessed to have her as you know. I will always remember her in my heart.

Reply

Colleen Stone

August 28, 2023 at 5:01 pm

I am so sorry for your loss. She was such a wonderful lady. She will be missed.

Reply

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