Nancy Sue Kiel

Nancy Sue Kiel obituary, Chelsea, MI

Nancy Sue Kiel

Nancy Kiel Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Cole Funeral Chapel - Chelsea on Dec. 22, 2025.
Nancy Sue Kiel (née Van Riper), age 90, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at the Chelsea Retirement Community. Nancy was born on August 5, 1935, in Monroe, Michigan. She married Franklin "Frank" Sweeny in September 1953, and together they raised five beautiful sons. She later married Stanley "Ron" Kiel in April 1993.
Nancy is survived by her children, Ronald (Bethany) Sweeny of Dexter, Rick (Faye) Sweeny of Stockbridge, and Randy (Lisa) Sweeny of Fort White, Florida; and her stepchildren, Ron (Pam) Kiel of Chelsea, Jeff (Shawnda) Kiel of Indian River, Sheryl Kiel (Mike Dayton) of Mattawan, Karen (Doug) Burchett of Chelsea, and David (Carol) Kiel of Benton Harbor. She is also survived by eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; two sisters; her husbands; and two sons, Rod Sweeny and Ryan Sweeny.

Nancy lived in the Chelsea area her entire life and was a longtime member of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea. Her greatest joy was her family. In her younger years, she devoted herself to being a homemaker, raising five hungry, energetic boys. Later in life, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. Known for her easygoing nature, Nancy was loved by many and will be deeply missed.
A graveside service will be held in the spring at Vermont Cemetery in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

How to support Nancy's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Nancy Kiel's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Nancy Kiel's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?