Nancy Carol Vona

She was born in Canton, Ohio on May 22, 1952. She was the middle daughter of Richard and Helen Denkhaus. Post-graduation from Canton South High School, she worked for the Timken Roller Bearing Company. She was married January 22, 1972 and moved to Dayton, Ohio. Their two children, Jason and Julie Vona were born in Dayton. The family moved to Uniontown, Ohio; Lake Orion, Michigan; Colleyville, Texas and Charlotte, North Carolina for reasons related to her husband’s employment.

Nancy worked in several fields including various service, logistics and clerical positions. She started her own Pet Sitting Service business and was instrumental in the founding of the family’s successful Embroidery business in Pineville, North Carolina.

As a young girl she developed a strong love of animals, which continued for her entire life. She saved countless animals, served as an officer in the Humane Society and supported several animal rescues and wildlife organizations. She was loved by many cats and dogs but, also by several birds, squirrels, wild ducks, Rudy the Canadian goose, Joey, a Pekin duck and especially her beloved corgi mix, Gutter. She was kind and loving to all animals and had a particular skill in befriending animals wherever she went.

She devoted her life to her family and made life special for her children, husband and entire family. Holidays and birthdays were very special because of her. She was so good at adding that personal touch that fit the occasion perfectly.

She loved to be outdoors. She loved gardening and nature in general. She was afflicted with blood clots early in life and this, as well as various other medical problems, impacted her mobility as well as caused her pain for all of her adult life. She did not complain and did not let her troubles keep her from helping others and doing the things she loved or believed in. She was nice to everyone. She would help anybody and always did what was right.

Nancy is survived by Nick, her husband of 51 years; her children, Jason and Julie; two grandchildren; three, and soon to be four, great-grandchildren; her sisters, Pamela Courtney and Janey Eclem; and many foster failures. She is survived by Nick, only because she was instrumental in saving his life after a car accident in Mexico.

Both of her parents, in-laws, many kitties, animals and Gutter were waiting for her on the other side.

Her cremation is handled by the McEwen Funeral Service in Pineville. There is no public service.

Please do not send flowers or gifts to the family. Instead please consider a memorial gift to Saving Southern Kitties, an animal rescue Co-founded by her daughter, Julie who is the current Vice President. There is a donate button on their website - SavingSouthernKitties.

Condolences may be offered at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.