Nancy E. Davis, age 91, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, at Knox Community Hospital, never alone and surrounded by love.
Born on June 3, 1935, in Crestline, Ohio, Nancy was the daughter of the late Clarence L. and Lottie (Speelman) Nixon. She graduated with academic honors from Crestline High School and attended Columbus Business University. She was first married to Lowell D. Chandler in 1957 and later married James E. Davis in 1978.
After careers as a secretary and employee benefits specialist, Nancy found her true calling in historic preservation. In 1979, she became curator of the Hanby House Museum in Westerville, where she spent more than 20 years sharing Ohio’s history through educational programs, tours, demonstrations, and community events. She authored Up on the Housetops, a publication on the history of Benjamin Hanby’s beloved Christmas song, earning the affectionate nickname “Mrs. Hanby.”
Nancy was an avid gardener who served as president of the Westerville Garden Club, participated in Ameriflora ’92 and Westerflora, restored and operated a historic bed and breakfast in Columbus, and was a faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Danville.
For the past 25 years, she made her home in Howard, Ohio, where she shared life with her devoted companion, Frank Chapman. During those years, she also became a cherished member of Geneva McAvoy’s family. It was Geneva’s honor and privilege to care for Nancy during the last five years of her life.
Nancy is survived by her loving companion of 25 years, Frank Chapman; her daughters, Susan Light (Joe Hodge) of Cardington, Ohio, Kathi Smith of Florida, and Jennifer Sindel of Pickerington, Ohio; her son, Kevin (Kim) Chancellor of Grove City, Ohio; her sister, Sally (Tom) Glauer; her nieces, Vicki (Bob) Dunlap and Christy (Paul) Garrett; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her aunts, Ester May (Speelman) Fisher and Violet (Speelman) Sand.
Nancy will be remembered for her love of history, beautiful gardens, unwavering faith, and generous spirit. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the history she helped preserve.
Friends may call on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 9:30am to 10:15am, at Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main St. Crestline. A graveside service will be held at 10:30am at Greenlawn Cemetery with Pastor Howard Clevenger officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Capitol City Hospice in Nancy’s memory. The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers of Capitol City Hospice and the dedicated staff of Knox Community Hospital for the kindness, comfort, dignity, and exceptional care they provided during Nancy’s final days.
Those wishing to share a memory of Nancy or send condolences to the Davis family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Nancy E. Davis.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com