Nancy Ellen McGonigal

She was born on August 8, 1946, in Lansing, Michigan to Russell William Joseph Ballor and Margaret Grace Morse. Nancy married William Charles Wentzel in 1965 and later married John Owen McGonigal in 1968. She graduated from Bath High School and went on to attend Lansing Community College.

Throughout her life, Nancy held various positions, including working for the State of Michigan, Fifth Third Bank, Jackson National Life, and as a school bus driver. She was not only dedicated to her work but also deeply involved in her community. Nancy served as a Girl Scout leader, a Sunday school teacher, and a member of the church choir. She was also a member of the Amen Sisters.

Nancy was known for her vibrant spirit and diverse interests. She was a high school cheerleader, a speed reader, and a Bible scholar. In her leisure time, she enjoyed reading, sewing, crocheting, crafting, swimming, bike riding, camping, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

A loving and devoted mother, Nancy is fondly remembered by her children as being fun, spontaneous, and involved in all school activities. Her love for reading the Bible, her skill with words, and her strong Christian faith were evident to all who knew her.

Nancy is survived by her children, Wendy Baird, Laurie Fata, Colleen (John) Hall, and Kelley (Henry) Howell; grandchildren, April (Jacob) Pung, Jennie (Chris) Groulx, Jordan Baird, Jonathon Fata, Emily Fata, Andrew Fata, Sarah Hall, and Johnny Hall; great-grandchildren, Margaret, Katelynn, and Annabell Pung; sister, Mary Bargy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, William Charles Wentzel who passed on September 21, 1967; husband, John Owen McGonigal who passed on September 16, 2017; and siblings, Ruth Sober, William Ballor, and Carol Ballor.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Independence Village of East Lansing and Bath Baptist Church for their care and support.

A visitation for Nancy will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes DeWitt Chapel, 205 E Washington St., DeWitt, MI 48820. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at Bath Baptist Church, 13527 Webster Rd., Bath, MI 48808. Following the service, Nancy will be laid to rest in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, 14378 Webster Rd., Bath, MI 48808.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Nancy's memory may be made to Bath Baptist Church, 13527 Webster Rd., Bath, MI 48808 or American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116.

Nancy will be remembered for her love, intelligence, and outgoing nature. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.