Nancy Gertrude Guynup

Nancy Carbaugh Guynup, born July 2, 1939, in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, was the beloved daughter of William Lawrence McKee and Gladys Elizabeth Carbaugh. She passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, surrounded by her loving family and compassionate caregivers at Preston House Memory Care in Charlotte, North Carolina, after a long and courageous journey with Lewy body dementia.

Nancy graduated from Timken High School in 1957 and built a life defined by kindness, faith, resilience, and devotion to others. She dedicated 30 years of service to Ford Motor Credit, retiring in 1997. Although her daily commute was long, she loved her work and the lifelong friendships she formed along the way. Her career reflected the values she carried throughout her life: honesty, integrity, hard work, and genuine care for others.

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dale Allen Guynup. She is survived by her children, Douglas William Keefe (Krista), Dana Keefe Tuck (David), and Scott Kenneth Guynup; her grandchildren, Daniel William Keefe (Crystal), Sarah Elizabeth Keefe, Abigail Keefe Seivers (Chandler), Adam Douglas Tuck (Anna), and Aaron David Tuck (Rebecca); five great-grandchildren, with another joyfully expected soon; and many dear friends who were blessed to know her.

Though Nancy stood only four feet seven inches tall, she was truly “small but mighty.” Her quiet strength, warm heart, and wonderful sense of humor made a lasting impression on everyone she met. She created a home filled with beauty, comfort, and love, where family, friends, and neighbors always felt welcomed.

Family was the center of Nancy’s world. Whether near or far, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were always in her heart. Even after moving to Charlotte in 2015, the miles between them never changed the depth of her love or devotion. She celebrated their joys, carried their concerns, and treasured every opportunity to spend time together. Her greatest happiness came from knowing her family was loved, cared for, and connected.

Nancy taught those around her important lessons that will continue for generations. She believed in being honest, doing things the right way, and taking pride in everything you do—what she described as “autographing your work with excellence.” She also reminded her family to cherish the little things: a homemade meal, a favorite song, a quiet moment together, and the simple blessings found in everyday life.

Nancy was an extraordinary cook and gifted baker. Her kitchen was a place where love was shared and memories were made. Family gatherings and neighborhood get-togethers were never complete without her homemade desserts, including pies fresh from the oven, apple dumplings, rice pudding, cookies, and countless other treats. Everything she made carried the love and care she gave so freely to others.

Music was the soundtrack of Nancy’s life. It brought her tremendous joy and lifted her spirit through every season. She loved it all—from oldies and love songs to disco, dance, rock, and even a little country. Music filled her home and brought happiness to her days.

Nancy also had a special love for cats, whose companionship brought her comfort and joy throughout her life. Following her retirement, she enjoyed gardening, painting, coloring, baking for neighbors, and spending time with the people she loved.

Nancy’s life was defined by caring for others. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, caregiver, and friend. She lovingly cared for her husband, Dale, as well as her mother-in-law, aunt, and mother, always giving her time, strength, and compassion without hesitation.

During nearly five years at Preston House Memory Care, Nancy became beloved by both residents and caregivers. Her family extends heartfelt gratitude to the teams at Preston House Memory Care and VIA Health Partners for the dignity, kindness, and love they showed Nancy throughout her journey.

Nancy’s legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply, the friendships she nurtured, and the countless memories created around her table. Her laughter, faith, resilience, generosity, and remarkable spirit will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Her family celebrates a life beautifully lived—a life of courage, compassion, devotion, and unconditional love. They find comfort in the promise of Psalm 23, trusting that the Good Shepherd who faithfully walked beside Nancy throughout her earthly journey now leads her beside still waters and welcomes her into everlasting peace.

A private family service and burial will be held on Friday, July 24, at Sunset Hills Memorial Gardens in Canton, Ohio.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 8, at 2:00 p.m. at James Funeral Home, 10520 Arahova Drive, Huntersville, North Carolina 28078.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to VIA Health Partners Dementia Care, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC, or the Humane Society of Charlotte, 1348 Parker Drive, Charlotte, NC, in honor of Nancy’s love of animals.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want…. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

— Psalm 23