Nancy Margaret Koehler

Nancy Margaret (Gravley) Koehler, surrounded by her loving family, passed away peacefully into God’s care on March 10, 2021. She is survived by her son Charles Timothy (“Tim”), daughter Rebecca (“Beki”), daughter Laura, son Mark, niece Cindy Hale, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Charles (“Charlie”), in December 2020; her parents Henry and Daisy; sisters Elsie, Betty and Patricia; and brothers Henry (“Sonny”) and William (“Bill”).

Mom was born in Akron, Ohio, on May 2, 1931. In 1947, Mom and her family moved to Sunnyslope, Arizona, where she attended Glendale Union High School and graduated in 1949. The rest of her family moved to southern California while she remained behind. Mom and Dad married in November 1951. Dad had joined the Navy and was serving in Honolulu, Hawaii, and she joined him a year later. They returned to Glendale, Arizona, in 1955 and purchased a home in Phoenix in 1956, where they lived for 48 years until moving to Sun City in 2005.

Early in her life, she attended cosmetology school and became a licensed beautician (she loved being a hairstylist). Later on, Mom took painting and drawing lessons and became an accomplished oil painting artist, producing the most beautiful paintings. Mom loved to fish and enjoyed hiking in her younger years. After retirement, Mom and Dad enjoyed spending long stretches of time at their vacation home in Oak Creek Canyon. They both loved Arizona and traveling to many of its remote areas, as well as road trips to neighboring states. Mom joined Christown Women’s Bible Study in the early 1970’s and eventually became their “book lady” (librarian). Mom always said that being a part of this group for almost 40 years and the friendships she had with these women was one of the greatest joys of her life.

Mom was an incredibly special person. She was caring, loving and supportive. We have lost the very heart of this family. It is hard to imagine life without her constant loving presence, beautiful bright eyes and smile and her sweet laugh. Mom is in Heaven today because she opened her heart to receive Jesus as her Savior and Lord and she lived her life as a godly woman. Much love from all of us – you will be dearly missed. We will see you again one day in Heaven.

No public services will be held. Thank you for honoring Mom by leaving your condolences and memories of her through this website. The Family