Nancy Louise Reynolds

She was born in Peoria, Illinois, July 2, 1948 to Francis Keith and Frances May (Knell) Switzer. Her family moved to New Jersey in 1963 and later to Simi Valley, California in 1965. Having grown up with limited means, she committed later in life to provide abundantly for her family and others whenever possible. Though she began high school at Pennsauken High School in New Jersey, she graduated from Simi Valley High School in 1966, where she received the honor of “funniest laugh”. After high school, Nancy attended Ventura Junior College as well as Moorpark College. In 1968, she transferred to CSU Northridge where she received her bachelor’s degree and her teaching credential. Nancy married Jeff Reynolds on December 16, 1972.

While she was attending college to become a teacher, Nancy worked for the post office as a mail sorter. She proudly shared that she perfected the snicker bar diet during this time. When she received her teaching credential, her supervisor warned her she would be giving up a certain future as postmaster. The post office wasn’t her passion. It was children and teaching. She spent a short time as a substitute teacher and would often laugh about her frequent run-ins with school officials who thought she was a student as she tried to leave for lunch. She later took a permanent position as an elementary teacher in Camarillo, CA, where she also served as a representative in the local teachers union.

After moving to Modesto, Nancy taught at Franklin Elementary School before transferring to the newly built Alberta Martone Elementary School. Teaching grades three through five as well as gifted education over the years, she was very involved with student activities, advising student council, the student store, classroom musicals, and coordinating events such as talent shows and play day. She especially loved teaching American history and engaging lessons about outer space. She was a constant mentor to new teachers and later retired in 2011 after 40 years in education.

Nancy always kept a loving home for her three children and grandchildren. She enjoyed singing oldies in the van on the way to weekly piano lessons, coordinating swim team practices, running swim meet concessions, cuddling on the couch, and decorating the house for every season with her favorite artificial flowers. She loved holidays as a chance to bring everyone together, even ensuring Jesus got his homemade birthday cake every year at Christmas. Her love for salt, trips to Black Oak Casino with her sister, and picking prizes for grandchildren from the Dollar Store could not be understated. As testament to her heart and soul, Nancy prayed ceaselessly for her family, sending timely text messages to let them know how she was praying for their success and well being.

Nancy was survived by her husband Jeff, her sister Diana Reynolds (Stephen), her sister-in-law Dixie Switzer (Ted) and her three children: Matt Reynolds of Palm Springs, Ryan Reynolds (Lynsey) of Oakdale, and Amanda Chamberlain (Aaron) of El Dorado Hills. She was also survived by many nieces and nephews including Kelly Armstrong, Ben Switzer, and Stephenie Swickard. Nancy also had six grandchildren including Owen, Peyton, Camille, Eli, and Kai. Nancy was preceded in death by her three brothers Alan, Barry, and Ted, nephew Lucas Switzer, and grandson Taelen.

A celebration of life will be held at Calvary Chapel Oakdale, Saturday, October 15, at 10:00 AM. 220 S. Sierra Ave., Oakdale, CA 95361.

The family urges you to share memories, photos, and comments at the following website:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/hughson-ca/nancy-reynolds-10922455