Obituary for Nancy S. Nocks

Nancy S. Nocks was born on March 16, 1937 and passed away December 26, 2019. She is survived by her devoted husband of 60 years, Ron, and her children: Robin (Monie) and Christopher (Nancy), grandchild Taylor (Kat), great-granddaughter Kyra, and sister Lorri Bias (Charles). She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Ferne Stillson and brother-in-law Don Berger.

Nancy was 10 when she saw Desert Song and Carmen and was hooked. She played her first musical in the 9th grade.

The day after graduation from Mount Vernon HS, in 1955, the family moved to Fostoria Ohio. She then entered OSU with a major in piano and voice and a minor in English. Graduating in 1959, a few months later she married her college sweetheart, Ron. She taught for 5 years until the birth of daughter Robin and 5 years later son Chris. Still working in theatre in the evenings, she became a “Stay-at-home” mom. With their business partner, she and Ron owned a chain of pizza shops (RC Pizza named for their children), a German restaurant, and Footlights Costume Studio. During these years she also completed her Masters of Arts and began her PhD.

She and her family were fortunate enough to travel. First trip abroad in 1975 with her children included their 11 year old daughter and 6 year old son, Robin and Chris, traveling to Germany, France, and Austria. Nancy then turned to teaching for 10 years in Westerville, including a musical theatre class she and Ron taught at Otterbein. As a result of years in public education and result of her endless work in theatre, she has been listed in the National Register’s Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals, received other numerous awards and traveled with the company to Europe and within the U.S.

In addition to her family, it has also been important that through the arts and SRO she has been able to touch many people’s lives-educating the younger generation, working with the deaf community, helping educate young doctors (OSU Medical School) and seeing our older generation continuing to be active throughout their later years. Nancy says she has thoroughly enjoyed being the Executive/Artistic Director for GLT and then SRO Theatre Company. Life has been good!

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday January 4, at Central College Presbyterian Church, at 11:00. Friends and family may call an hour prior from 10:00 to 11:00. 975 S. Sunbury Rd., Westerville OH. Luncheon will be served afterwards.