Nancy Lou Leighner

Nancy Lou Leighner (Hoke) of Rockford, Ohio transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on August 22nd, 2026, closing a long life marked by service, faith, and a deep love for her family and community. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy H. Leighner , with whom she shared many years of partnership, hard work, and happiness. Nancy should be remembered for her pride in - and shared love of - her family and farm, as well as for her involvement with the Rockford community.

Nancy was born on September 13th, 1937 in Clayton, Ohio to Elmer & Sylvia (Oswalt) Hoke [Stepmother, Edna Hoke]. She often shared fond memories of her childhood in Phillipsburgh, Ohio. Her work career consisted of roles at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton; Aeroquip; Driving School Bus for Parkway; and she later retired from Teleflex in Van Wert.

Nancy lived with a heart for service. She devoted countless hours volunteering in children's ministry at Rockford United Methodist Church , pouring her faith into the next generation with patience, kindness, and a steady presence. Her investment and commitment to her small town community extended far beyond the church walls: she was known for showing up, helping out, and offering her gifts and talents wherever she was needed. From simple gestures like cheering in the stands for her Panthers at sporting events and handing out popcorn balls at Halloween to leaving a lasting legacy of contributing to the planning and fruition of a community splash pad, Nancy would stop at nothing to bring a smile to others.

She found joy in the simple, grounding rhythms of life. At the top of that list, her passion for cooking and baking for those she loved still holds true in the family debate over chunky vs smooth applesauce and memories of the lard can supper at the family reunion. She took great pride in tending to her garden and flowers, appreciating the beauty of nature in every season. Nancy cherished her communities and delighted in gatherings filled with laughter, games of dominoes, volleyball and bocce ball, and shared stories. She also loved to travel, especially camping trips in her fifth wheel with Roy, where she embraced the freedom of the open road; the quiet comfort of time spent outdoors; and family and friends scattered throughout the country (with notable favourites in Texas, Michigan, Florida, and Arizona, just to name a few).

Nancy's greatest pride was her family. She became an expert in our family lineage and enjoyed any opportunity to boast of her extensive family tree. She leaves behind children, grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, and a great‑great‑grandchild who each carry their own memories and remnants of her strength, humour and unwavering dedication.

Children:
Cindy Renee Thompson (and Doug)
Nancy joins in Heaven her beloved daughter, Cindy, who passed away in February 2026
Penny Jo "P.J." Fish (and Jack)
Rodney Hoyt Leighner (and Diana)

Grandchildren:
Elissa (Ben) Welborn
Shalyn (Sarah) Leighner
Paige Thompson
Ross (Eli) Leighner

Great‑Grandchildren:
Makynna (James), Carter, Ayeana, Maddox, Maverick, Kingston Rohen, Hadleigh, Riglee Evangeline

Great‑Great‑Grandchild:
Cooper

Nancy's life was woven from threads of faith, service, and love. May her legacy of kindness, community, and devotion be remembered with gratitude and continue to grow in the lives of those she touched.

The family will receive guests for a gathering in Nancy's honor and to celebrate her life:

Wednesday, August 26th, 2026
Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home (111 West First Street, Rockford OH 45882)
9:30 - 11:30am Public Visitation
11:30am Funeral Service with Burial immediately following at Rockford Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a quiet moment in nature, a shared meal or game, or an act of kindness in her memory. Donations can be made to the Parkway Booster Club or Rockford United Methodist Church .

The family extends appreciation to Nancy's dear friends and the caring staff at StoryPoint of Tipp City, Ohio, where Nancy felt at home and served as the life of the party for the past few years.

To know Nancy was to love her and we all know that she never met a stranger!

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.