Nancy Ellen Ploetz

Nancy Ellen Ploetz was born in Wauwatosa, WI on July 29, 1930 to Olga Albus (nee Brandt) and Christopher Albus. Nancy was the youngest of five children, sisters Laura Hartbrodt, Alma Knippel, Helen Kove and brother James Albus.

Nancy graduated in 1948 from South Division High School in Milwaukee, WI. It was in her senior year that she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Ron. Ron and Nancy were married on June 3, 1950 in Superior, WI. Ron played baseball for the farm systems of the White Sox and later the New York Giants for five years. During that time they lived in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Gastonia, NC and Colorado Springs, CO.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of seventy-two years, Ron, and her son Randy who passed away in early 2025. Nancy is survived by her three children, Michael William Ploetz (b 1953)/Myra Mooney Ploetz; Linda Ploetz White (b 1956)/Curt White and daughter Maggie Anne White; Christine Ploetz Birch (b 1965)/Don Birch and family Lundy Birch Gardner/Kevin Gardner and son Crew; Will Birch/Lauren Buelow Birch and son Sonny; Randy’s daughters Jill Ploetz and Kelly Ploetz and wife Michelle and family Jeffrey and Lauren Thomas and Paxton Thomas.

Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, caregiver, friend, volunteer, and faithful servant of The Lord. Her devotion to her husband was evident on April 7, 1960, when Ron was seriously injured in an accident in which he sustained a massive skull fracture resulting in the loss of sight in one eye and hearing in one ear. Ron remained in the hospital for 3 weeks in critical condition undergoing multiple surgeries on his skull and received several nerve graphs. He convalesced for one year at home while Nancy cared for him and their three children. Ron had multiple health issues in his final 3 years of his life, and Nancy was his dedicated caregiver.

From early childhood, Nancy was an active church member. She was an alto in the choirs at Church of the Open Door in Milwaukee, WI, Oak Hill Presbyterian Church in Evansville, IN, Fite Memorial Baptist and Trinity Baptist Churches in Marion, OH. She was also Sunday School Superintendent at Fite Memorial Baptist Church. At Trinity Baptist, she was the Lead for the Martha Circle and every week participated in rolling bandages which were sent to hospitals in Haiti. Nancy also delivered Mobile Meals for forty-three years in Marion, and served on their Board as Secretary. She was also Secretary for the Salvation Army.

Nancy had many talents and unlimited energy. She will forever be remembered for her cooking and baking talents that made every holiday so memorable. The door to her home was always open. She was an excellent seamstress, knit many beautiful sweaters, upholstered furniture and sewed draperies. She always loved a project. She mowed the grass (and bagged it) until she was eighty-six. If she could help it, she never missed a grandchild’s game or competition. She was always there for her family and friends.

She treasured her beloved group of friends known as “The Danglers” (named after that obnoxious piece of skin that hangs from ones arms) Jackie, Phyllis, Jane and MaryAnn.

She was an avid Green Bay Packer and Ohio State Buckeye fan and spent many Saturdays and Sundays rooting on her teams with Ron.

Nancy had a big heart and loved unconditionally. She will be deeply missed by those who had the good fortune to know her. We know she no longer suffers and is in heaven with our dad.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Same As U, a non-profit organization that provides full-day programming for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (https://sameasu.org/donate/)

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring.