Nancy J. Hough

Nancy J. Hough (nee Johnson) of Manhattan, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Survived by her son Joseph (Michelle) Hough, her grandchildren Stephanie (Dale) Clark, Stephanie (Eric) Raef, Thomas Hough, Matthew Hough, MacKenzie Hough, Samantha Danewoood, and Kayla (Jeff) Strickland, her great grandchildren Grayson, Jack, Penelope, Parker, Jayde, and Harper, her siblings Marian (Dr. John) Cotant, Debbie Smith, Jodi (Pete) Gaudino, Kim (Gordy) Urquhart, Thomas (Kate) Johnson and her brothers-in-law Chester Cosby and Robert Miller and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Betty Johnson, her son Billy Hough, her great grandson Owen Raef, her sisters Mara Miller and Jacque Cosby and her brothers-in-law Charles Smith and Robert Rettray. Nancy was born in Flint, MI and grew up in Birmingham, MI. She was a graduate of Marian High School, Birmingham. Nancy then attended Northern Michigan, then moved to Carthage where she began her family. While supporting her children's father, Nancy and the family lived in multiple locations. Throughout those years, Nancy held various positions, among them, her most fond memories were dorm mother at Robert Morris College to 109 female college students and her time she spent at the Crisis Center for South Suburbia. After finding her forever home in Manhattan where she could be closer to her family and grandchildren, she took on the title "Lunch Lady" at St. Joseph School which she absolutely loved especially because she could see her grandchildren daily. Nancy was also an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church where she was a member of Bible Study and Happy Hearts, and she also helped with the children's Masses. Nancy had plenty of challenges throughout her life, but she was a woman of faith and always found the silver lining. Her example of optimism and resilience will continue to live on in those that knew and loved her. When asked what was her greatest joy in life, she didn't hesitate to answer, my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have been my greatest gifts. Visitation for Nancy will take place on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 4-8:00p.m. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service will be the following day, Friday, December 19, 2025 beginning with prayers at the funeral home at 9:30a.m. followed by a procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 235 W. North St., Manhattan for 10:00a.m. Mass of Christian Burial. Per Nancy's wishes, cremation will follow and she will then be laid to rest at her son Billy's grave at St. Joseph Guardian Angel Cemetery, Manhattan. In lieu of flowers, donations in Nancy's name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431 or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Manhattan, would be most appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com.