Nancy A Oard

Nancy Ann Oard passed away peacefully in her Rosedale, Indiana home on January 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and deep devotion to her family.
Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandma, great-grandma, aunt, neighbor, artist, florist, bus driver, dog sitter, bird enthusiast, animal lover and loyal friend.
Nancy was born on May 21, 1941, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She attended Rosedale High School where she was a cheerleader for the Rosedale Hotshots. Nancy was a gifted artist who expressed her creativity throughout her life. In high school, she created pencil drawings for a writer, and over the years she continued her artistic pursuits through oil painting. You can find several of her paintings in her daughter and grandchildren's homes. Her creativity also extended outdoors, where she took great pride in landscaping, caring for her koi pond, and cultivating beauty in her surroundings.
She was an indoor and outdoor bird enthusiast and had a deep love for animals, often dog-sitting for others and taking in every animal who made its way onto her front porch. Nancy worked in a flower shop arranging floral designs, where her natural talent for decorating and eye for detail flourished. Nancy also worked as a secretary before dedicating over 20 years of service to Hercules. In her personal life, she enjoyed participating in Bible studies, dining out, and shopping with friends-moments she treasured for the companionship they brought. When visiting, you could always expect a house full of love, home-cooked biscuits & gravy, and lots of laughter from her beautiful outdoor oasis.
Nancy eventually found comfort in her faith in God, bringing her reassurance and peace. Her kindness, resilience, and quiet love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James Oard; her son, James "Jimmy" Emge; her mother, Bettie Cole Long; and her siblings, Richard "Dick" Long and Jeanette "Joy" Sheahan. She leaves behind her daughter, Jamie Emge-Gish; her brother, William (and Marsha) Long; her grandchildren, Erin (and Robert) Lawler and Sean (and Brooke) Gish; her cherished great-grandchildren, Moira and Olive. Additionally, she leaves behind three nieces, two nephews, and her beloved pets Lucy and Tiger.
The family would like to express our gratitude to all of Nancy's dear friends who selflessly gave their time to care for her in this time of need, as well as the SouthernCare Terre Haute Hospice doctors, nurses, and aides who cared for Nancy. Their compassion will not be forgotten.
To honor Nancy's wishes, there will be no funeral service. We invite you to please privately celebrate Nancy's memory in your own ways, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:
Ouabache Valley Felines & Friends Cage Free Cat Rescue
7300 E Devonald Ave
Terre Haute, IN 47805
Donations: https://ouabachefelines.wixsite.com/ouabachefelinerescue/donate