Nancy C. Roepke

Nancy Carol was born in Akron, Ohio on January 22, 1930 to Katie and Rolla Ferguson. She was raised by her single mother after her father's death when she was four years old. Nancy was an industrious little girl from an early age, having an Avon route at the boardinghouse where they lived and later, talking her way into a job at the Akron Public Library when she was not yet sixteen. Although she had no siblings, she had close cousins and many friends.

In 1946, her mother married John Adams, who became the father figure in her life. She graduated from Akron East High School and entered Akron University to major in Education. A vivacious and popular girl, Nancy joined the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She also met a handsome Theta Chi named Don Roepke. Nancy and Don married in June 1953 and moved to Lubbock, Texas where he was stationed in the US Air Force and she began teaching kindergarten.

After Don's service, they returned to Goodyear Heights and bought their first home. Nancy continued teaching at various Akron elementary schools after her first daughter was born. In 1960 she and Don built a house in Mogadore. They joined the Mogadore Christian Church where Nancy taught Bible School and served as a Deaconess. She was also the official "Pie Lady" for many years at the Church's food tent during the Randolph Fair.

One of Nancy's finest projects was her work to bring a public library to Mogadore and other small Portage County communities. The Mogadore branch library was opened in 1966, 60 years ago.

In 1967, after her daughters were in school, Nancy returned to teaching at O H Somers Elementary in Mogadore. She retired from 2nd grade in 1985 and remained in contact with many of her former teachers and students throughout her life.

She was a member of the Mogadore Historical Society, the Mogadore Lions Ladies, Merry Makers and the Akron Women's City Club. Nancy was a huge fan of Dick Goddard (local weatherman and animal advocate). Although she loved her husband, she may have willingly left him for Dick.

After retirement, Nancy and Don built a home in Suffield, with a large garden. They enjoyed travelling and spending time with family, friends, neighbors and great-grandchildren. They spent 25 happy years there before moving to Danbury in Cuyahoga Falls. After Don's death in April 2024, Nancy remained at Danbury with her cat, Trouble. Her favorite activities became Bingo and watching reruns of The Andy Griffiths Show.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 70 years, and her great-granddaughter, Hazel.

She is survived by her daughters Kelli (Tom) McKenna and Jerri (Don Harkowsky) Kincaid, grandsons John and Andy McKenna, and great-grandchildren Amelia, Conrad and Mabel McKenna.

The family would like to thank the staff at Danbury Woods, Pinnacle Health Care, and Gentiva Hospice for their love and care of Nancy and Trouble.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Saturday, March 22 from 1 to 3 pm at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home (547 Canton Rd, Akron, OH 44312). Burial will be private.