Nancy Eberhart

Nancy Ann Eberhart, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on July 20, 2026, at the age of 82, surrounded by the hope of Christ. Born on April 12, 1944, in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, Nancy was the beloved daughter of Dr. Guy and Grethel Eberhart.

Nancy devoted her life to education, leadership, and service. She earned her undergraduate degree in Education from Ohio University, a Master of Education from Bowling Green State University, and a Doctor of Philosophy from The Ohio State University. Her passion for learning and helping others shaped a distinguished career that influenced generations of educators throughout Ohio.

She began her professional career as an elementary school teacher in Euclid, Ohio, serving from 1966 to 1971. She then became a Graduate Assistant in the Reading Center at Bowling Green State University before joining the Ohio Department of Education in 1972 as the Ohio Right to Read Consultant in the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Throughout her career, Nancy authored and co-authored numerous educational books and instructional materials distributed to schools across Ohio, organized and led statewide Right to Read workshops and summer seminars for teachers and administrators, and became the youngest director ever appointed by the Ohio State Board of Education to lead the Division of Inservice Education. She concluded her remarkable career in December 2001, retiring as Associate Superintendent for the Teaching Profession at the Ohio Department of Education.

Nancy's leadership extended well beyond her professional responsibilities. She served as President of the Euclid Council of the International Reading Association in 1971, held the office of President of the Zonta Club of Columbus from 2010 to 2012, and served in national leadership within the Inservice Education Association. In recognition of her many contributions to education, she was honored in 2001 by both the Deans of the Colleges of Education of Ohio and the Ohio State Board of Education.

Above all, Nancy was a woman of deep faith who loved serving her church. As a longtime member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, she faithfully served as a Deacon, chaired the Connections Ministry, and actively participated in MAXI and Fellowship ministries. Worship through music was one of her great joys, and she was a devoted member of the church Choir, Folk Ensemble, and Handbell Choir. Her steady leadership, generous spirit, and genuine care for others left a lasting impact on her church family and all who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her brother, Guy Eberhart II and his wife, Ann; her nephew, Guy Eberhart III, his wife Christine, and their family; her niece, Gretchen, and her family; along with many dear friends, colleagues, and members of her church family who were blessed by her life of faithful service.

Nancy's legacy is one of wisdom, humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to serving both God and others. Through her work in education, her leadership in the community, and her faithful ministry in the church, she invested her life in helping others flourish. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221, US, on July 24, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Bethel Presbyterian Church, 1735 Bethel Rd, Columbus, OH 43220, US, on July 25, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Glen Rest Memorial Estate, 8029 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068, US, on July 25, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.

In all that she did, Nancy sought to serve with excellence, love generously, and glorify God. Her life remains a testimony to the lasting influence of a faithful servant who dedicated her gifts to the education of others, the strengthening of her community, and the building of Christ's Church.