Nancy Marie Bostdorff

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Nancy Marie Bostdorff, age 79, of Bowling Green, OH, passed away on November 28, 2014, at Heritage Corner
Health Care Campus.
She was born on January 18, 1935, in Grand Rapids, OH, to Lyle "Max" Maxwell Spitler and Mabel
Ada (Gilbert) Spitler. On May 25, 1957, Nancy married James Franklin Bostdorff at Plain Congregational
Church.
Nancy worked as a teller and then executive secretary at Bowling Green Banking Company for six years and,
as she and Jim began their own family, moved to part-time work there for another five years.
Nancy was an excellent cook and accomplished homemaker. When her children were young, she sewed most of
her own and her daughters’ clothes. Nancy kept a large garden, canned extensively, and – as a young wife
– even sold eggs and dressed chickens just as her mother had done. While she was happy to leave the
garden, canning, and chickens behind, Nancy remained Jim’s key partner on the family farm where she took
care of the books, ran meals to the fields, and drove the men where they needed to go.
Nancy had her own business as a professional cake decorator for several years and became secretary of
First Christian Church in Bowling Green in 1983, where she earned a well-deserved reputation for her
excellent administrative skills. She retired in 2004.
Throughout her life, Nancy was active in her community. She was a member of Haskins Community Church
where she not only sang in the choir, but also held a number of leadership positions, including Sunday
School Superintendent for 30 years.
In 1984, the Ohio FFA Association recognized Nancy and Jim with the Distinguished Service Award; they
also won the Blue and Gold Award in 1985 for their support of FFA. Moreover, Nancy was a 4-H Club
advisor for 35 years and was named a Wood County Honorary 4-H Member, along with her husband, in 1991.
Nancy also was a longtime member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, and she and Jim were part of the Comelaters
Farm Bureau Council.
Nancy was a devoted wife who supported Jim in everything he did, while-importantly-also keeping him in
check. She was a dedicated mother, as well. Nancy went to every school event, volunteered for nearly
every school activity, and always knew what was going on in her children’s lives.
When she became a grandmother, Nancy played with her grandchildren, read to them, and made each one feel
like he or she was the most important person in the world.
Nancy, like far too many others, unfairly suffered the ravages of Alzheimer’s disease at the end of her
life. However, those who knew her will remember her as she was: a terrific listener, a kind and gentle
soul who spoiled her dogs, and a woman whose quiet, unassuming demeanor often hid the central role that
she played in the lives of those who worked with her, volunteered with her, lived with her, and loved
her.
Nancy is survived by her husband, Jim; her sister, Marian Grimm (Weston, OH); and her children: Denise
(Dan O’Rourke) Bostdorff of Wooster, OH; Jim (Selene) Bostdorff of Bowling Green, OH; Johnna (Dan)
Jennings of DeKalb, IL; and Joy (Tom) Bils of Harpster, OH. Nancy also is survived by 10 grandchildren
(Valerie, Kaley, Hannah, Morgan, Adam, Jaylene, Devin, Brian, David, Justene) and two
great-grandchildren (Elaina and Leo).
Visitation will take place at PEINERT-DUNN FUNERAL HOME in Tontogany, Ohio, from 3-8 p.mm on Monday, Dec.
1. Services will be held at Haskins Community Church at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, with Pastor Jenny
Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Union Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Nancy’s honor can be made to Haskins Community Church or Wood County 4-H. Her
family also wishes to thank the many people who have supported Nancy and her family during this long
journey. While it may seem like good-bye, we know we’ll see her later.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.dunnfuneralhome.com.

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