Nancy Joanne Hale Grove

Born in Akron, OH on January 24, 1927, the former Nancy Joanne Hale graduated from Stephens College, working first in Retail and later as an instructor in Fashion Merchandising.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Nevett Steele Grove.

She is survived by her three children, Nevett Grove (Susan Overstreet) of San Diego, CA, Kimberly Gould (George) of St. Louis, MO, and Kevin Grove (Nancy Weber) of Louisville, KY; five grandchildren, Chris Grove (Leanne McIntosh), Alex Grove, Harper Grove, Kate Gould Heits (Nicholas Adams), Kyle Gould; and one great-granddaughter, Maddox Heits; two brothers, James Hale (Gene) and Thomas Hale; her favorite cousin, Elizabeth Lyman, daughter of Nancy's mother's twin sister.

In the late 1950's, she started contesting and had many winning entries, among them a finalist in the 1961 Pillsbury Bake-Off, a finalist in the Ohio State Mrs. America Contest and won several trips to Europe, including one as Ohio's "Goodwill Ambassador" visiting CARE projects. She submitted the winning entry to the Louisville Zoo "Name the Triplet Polar Bears" contest. Over the years, she met many interesting people, including Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Bob Barker, Art Linkletter, Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss) and twin sisters "Dear Ann" and "Dear Abby".

Her greatest joy was being with her children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. Her two youngest grandsons, Alex and Harper, gave her her favorite nickname NANAWITHAHAT.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 in the chapel of Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd. Private inurnment will take place at Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM on Monday, June 27, 2016 at the funeral home.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or the Kentucky Humane Society or a charity of your choice.

Please visit www.archlheadywestport.com to leave a condolence for the family.