Nancy Jean Miles

April 15, 1942 – August 2026

With profound love we celebrate the remarkable life of Nancy Jean Miles, who passed away peacefully August 20, 2026 at the age of 84, following a courageous three-year journey with Parkinson’s disease. Nancy lived a rich, dynamic, and purposeful life filled with deep faith, academic excellence, an unwavering dedication to helping and healing others, and devotion to her family.

A Life of Excellence, Healing, and Service

Born on April 15, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to William and Mary Miles, Nancy was a natural leader from the very beginning. As the eldest of seven sisters, she set a shining example of strength, grace, and intellect. She graduated as the Senior Class Valedictorian from Detroit’s St. Mary High School in 1960, marking the start of a lifelong passion for learning and service.

Nancy went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Detroit Mercy (1960–1964). She dedicated much of her early career to caring for others alongside her former husband, Dr. Angel Dizon, raising their children in the Detroit Metro Area. Later, she extended her nursing practice to the Henry Ford Maplegrove Center, where her compassion touched many lives. Her drive to understand and support people deeply led her to earn a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Center for Humanistic Studies in Detroit (1994–1995).

In 2002, Nancy moved to Medford, Oregon, to be closer to her beloved parents and sisters. There, she continued her career of service as a Registered Nurse Surveyor for the State of Oregon, helping ensure the highest standard of care for others.

Faith, Family, and Joyful Retirement

Throughout her entire journey, Nancy was grounded by her deep faith and was a dedicated, spiritual member of her church, where she volunteered as a parish nurse for multiple years.

In 2006, Nancy married Calvin Lanfear, beginning a beautiful chapter of love and companionship. Together, they shared twenty wonderful years of retirement—enjoying time with family, friends, adventures, quiet moments, and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, Oregon, California, and Arizona.

Above all else, Nancy’s heart belonged to her family. She was the cornerstone of her family’s lives, offering wise counsel, gentle encouragement, and a warm, welcoming presence.

Her Loving Legacy

Nancy is survived by her devoted husband, Calvin Lanfear, along with his children and grandchildren.

Her legacy continues through her cherished children:

● Deborrah and her husband, John Hennerich

● Christopher and his wife, Melani Ward Dizon

● Dana and her husband, Kevin Runde

● Patti and her partner, Sara Simpson

She leaves behind her adored grandchildren, Dylan Dizon, Brennan Dizon Woods, and Peri Dizon Woods, who brought immense joy to her life.

She held a special place in her heart for Brie and Mike Mahar, and their girls (Metali, Tanaya, and Shayla), embracing her role as an active and devoted grandmother in their lives.

Nancy will be forever missed by her six loving sisters and their families: Barbara Ann Galloway, Mary Elizabeth Deel, Andrea Gail Becker, Kimberly Ann Hollingsworth, Monica Marie Molebash, and Allyson Jean Miles.

She is also remembered by a vast network of dear family friends, including the Adelson, Caradonna, Day, Dizon, Hilton, Lanfear, Mahar, Miller, Moore, and Niester families.

Nancy was preceded in death by her loving parents, William and Mary Miles.

Services & Expressions of Sympathy

A celebration of life will be planned for Nancy with a tentative date in Spring 2027. More information will be shared as it gets closer.