Nancy Ellen Lively, 101, formerly of Defiance, Ohio passed peacefully on June 18th, 2024, in Lancaster, KY. She now resides in her heavenly home.  
Born June 19th, 1922, in Meadow Bridge, West Virginia, daughter of the late Kellis & Leona (Berry) Cox.  

Nancy was a longtime active member of Rock of Ages Church of God in Defiance, Ohio. Her FAITH in God came first above all. She enjoyed gardening, canning, quilt making, crafting, and spending time with her family. Her priorities in life were unwavering, faith, family, friends, and food. Food was her way of bringing people together, a simple but powerful gesture. While she won the title of chili cook-off champion, her legendary apple pies will forever be missed! 

Nancy will be dearly missed by her loving family. She is survived by four children; Patricia (Harold) Hurley of Burgin, KY, Louise (Donald) Justus of Lancaster, KY, Charles (Mary Lou) Lively of Wapakoneta OH and Leona (Carl) Bartley of Defiance, OH; as well as her 20 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and 29 great-great-grandchildren; in addition, her only surviving sister, Sadie Crookshanks of Iowa; along with a host of extended family and dear friends. 
She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil R. Lively; two daughters, Mary Ellen Lively and Linda Akers; three grandchildren, Randal Akers, James “Jimmy” Hurley and Terri Lynn Hurley; four brothers, Harlow, Edward, Alpha, and Turner Lee Cox; and three sisters, Elizabeth Bragg, Nellie Daniels, and Attie Burns. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home South, Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the funeral home, with Pastor Velma Lewis officiating. Nancy will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be directed to Rock of Ages Church of God, 340 Greenhouse Ave, Defiance, Ohio 43512. 

Local arrangements by Spurlin Funeral Home of Lancaster.