The passing of a former OCA President
Nancy S. Kelley, 55, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2013, at her home in Oberlin. Nancy was born in Akron, Iowa on July 12, 1957 to John and Xaveris (nee Hoffmann) Kelley.
She was raised on a farm East of Westfield, Iowa along with her two sisters and eight brothers, Nancy attended Westfield Community School where she excelled in academics. After graduating in 1975 Nancy went on to the University of Northern Iowa at Cedar Falls, Iowa. There she obtained a BA degree in Communication Education. She later returned to UNI and earned a Masters of Arts in Communication. Nancy taught all of her adult life first at UNI then moved to Ohio where she instructed at Lorain Community College for the rest for her career.
Some of Nancy’s career highlights include Instructor of Communications and Assistant Forensics Coach at the University of Northern Iowa, Corporate Recruiter for Control-O-Fax Corporation of Waterloo, Iowa, Communication Consulting for Ford Motor Company through the Lorain County Community College Continuing Education program. Director of LCCC Communication Program. She served as President of the Ohio Communication Association 2000-2002. She received the Ohio Communication Association Distinguished Service Award 2009. LCCC’S Outstanding Teaching Nominee for the Ohio Association for Two Year Colleges. Nancy served as Adjunct Faculty Mentor and Coordinator for Arts & Humanities. She also directed many plays and served as Director of Forensics. Nancy was the Director of the LCCC Communication Department.
Once Nancy set her sights there was no mountain too high. Her ethic of hard work and independence earned her the respect of family, co-workers and students alike. Nancy enjoyed reading, crafts, fellowship with family and friends, her cats, and a good joke if you had one. Her hearty laugh and practical level headed demeanor will be remembered and missed by all who knew her.
Nancy is survived by six brothers and two sisters, Dan Kelley of Burlington, North Carolina, Janice (Lew) Embrey of Claflin, Kanas, Tom (Regina) Kelley of Sioux City, Iowa, Tim (Donna) Kelley, Bob (Donna) Kelley, Rick (Ronelle) Kelley, all of Akron, Iowa, Garnet (Gary) Buum of McPherson, Kansas, Jim (Betty) Kelley of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; numerous nieces and nephews will also miss Nancy’s laughter and stories.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Xaveris Kelley; and two older brothers, Jerry and Pat.
The family will receive friends in the Bogner Family Funeral Home, 36625 Center Ridge Rd., N. Ridgeville, Sunday, July 14, 2013, at 1 P.M. until the start of a 2 P.M. memorial service, with family and friends remembering Nancy.
Memorial contributions to Red Cross Disaster Relief or the Humane Society.
For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit bognerfamilyfuneralhome.com
