Nancy Jean Karkuff

Nancy Jean Karkuff, aged 81, passed away peacefully with family by her side listening to “Fly Me to the Moon” on December 15, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky. Born on December 18, 1943, in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, Nancy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who touched the hearts of many throughout her life.

Nancy's life was marked by her unwavering love and devotion to her family. She is survived by her children, Audrey Petty (Lance) of Shelbyville, KY and Alan Wurst (Gwendolyn) of Norris City, IL, who will forever cherish the memories they created together. Nancy took immense pride in her role as a grandmother to her grandchildren, Alan Wurst, Jr. (Haley), Nolan Petty (Kristina), Brandon Wurst, Nathan Wurst (Raven), Jenn'na Wurst (Melissa), Madeline Petty and Lissa Wurst. Her love extended further to her great-grandchildren Gabriella Wurst, Kalli Wurst and Colter Petty, who brought her much joy and fulfillment. In addition to her immediate family, Nancy embraced her stepchildren, Gary Karkuff (Karen) of Mechanicsburg, PA and Debbie Kelly (Earl) of Mullica Hill, NJ, in addition to her six step grandchildren and six step great-grandchildren reflecting her ability to form loving connections that transcended traditional boundaries.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Frank Karkuff, the love of her life and soul mate. She was also preceded in death by her loving parents, Myrtle Belle Thomas and Albert Redvers Thomas, who instilled in her the values of kindness and compassion that she carried throughout her life.

Nancy graduated from Haddon Heights High School with the class of 1962. She worked side by side with her husband Frank in his State Farm Insurance office until they both retired and moved to Corolla, NC. While living in Corolla, Nancy volunteered for the Corolla Chapel. One of her favorite projects was the creation of cookbooks like “A Taste of Heaven” that were sold to visitors at the chapel. She gathered favorite recipes from friends, family, parishioners and neighbors to create several cookbooks over the years.

She and her husband Frank were avid fishermen, and she loved surf fishing with him in the Outer Banks. Prior to living there, she enjoyed fishing in the Delaware Bay and at their cottage in Sand Lake located in Ontario, Canada. She also found great joy in traveling with her husband, their friends and family. Nancy loved music and even recorded a record when she was in her 20’s. Over the years, she was constantly listening to music, and you could find her singing along to whatever was playing at the time.

A visitation in memory of Nancy Jean Karkuff will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, located at 235 Juneau Drive, Louisville, KY 40243. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 PM at the same location. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and celebrate her life.

Nancy's legacy will continue to shine through the love and cherished memories held by her family. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by the many people that knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in celebration of Nancy’s life can be made to Hosparus Health of Louisville which provided hospice care to Nancy or to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

To leave a memory of Nancy of a condolence for the family, please use the "Guest Book" feature below.