Nancy Ann (Blystone) Ensley

POLAND- Nancy Ann Blystone –Ensley, 82, passed away on Saturday evening, December 9, 2017 at Hospice of the Valley’s Hospice House, surrounded by her family.

Nancy’s life will be celebrated in memoriam on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Poland Presbyterian Church, 2 Poland Manor, with Dr. Paul W. Anderson officiating. Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church, prior to the service.

Nancy became a blessing to Margaret Lyle-Blystone and John H. Blystone on August 31, 1935, and instantly became the adored sister to her brothers, Robert and John Blystone.  With the untimely  passing of her parents when she was just four years old, Nancy and her brothers were then, lovingly and courageously, raised by their widowed grandmother, Margaret        Moran -Blystone during The Great Depression. It was a testament of the power of love and kindness from neighbors, friends, and family that aided “Grandma Blystone” in raising her three grandchildren into loving, compassionate, and hard-working adults.

Nancy was a very proud 1953 graduate of South High School. She was honored as prom queen, class vice-president, and cheerleader and was an active member of her class reunion committees. She forged life –long- friendships with her classmates meeting with her best friends, “The Girls”, to play cards once a month [which began in high school] and lunching monthly with her South High pals at Johnny’s Restaurant and AARP. Nancy was a friend to all, and formed many more friendships in her thirty years working as the only woman supervisor for Consolidated Stores and in the Accounts Payable Dept. with Phar-Mor where she ultimately retired.

She met her best friend and the absolute love of her life, William Ensley Jr., while working at Southside Hospital upon her high school graduation. It was love at first sight, and Bill and Nancy married on October 13, 1955. They began their family shortly thereafter, giving a good life to their five children who were brought up with “The Golden Rule” and “It’s the little things in life that count the most.” Those values were the daily examples of which Bill and Nancy lived, and ones that would also be passed to their children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren. They lived a very full and wonderful life together until Bill’s passing on Sept. 23, 2003. Not a day went by that Nancy did not speak of him and her love for him.

Nancy enjoyed sending countless sentiments of love, celebration, and encouragement through cards and notes that will remain imprinted on the hearts of many.  Nancy loved her country, her family and friends, a glass or two of wine, watching football, shopping for the perfect greeting card, and stalking the mailman for her daily mail.

In addition to Bill and her parents, Nancy was predeceased by her beloved son-in-law, John Antonas; brothers, Robert and John; sisters-in-law, Haroldene Blystone [“sister”] and Sue Ensley. Her precious infant granddaughter, Marie Elana, also predeceases Nancy.

Many treasured memories will be held in the hearts of her children and their spouses, William and Joy Ensley lll, Kathleen Ensley, Lisa Antonas, Kori and Brett Rupert, and Kurt Ensley. Forever cherishing their grandmother and great-grandmother are William and Denise Ensley IV  [Alexander],  Garrett Ensley, Alex Nikolopoulos , Rene Nikolopoulos  [Jaxon], Robert Gaines lll, Anthony Antonas, Cpt. Michael and Brianne Antonas [John Tyler] , Alisse and Trent Bonnett [ Blair], Kollin and MSgt John Chupa [Sydney], Kelsey and Tom Klim [Baby Klim due in May], Lance Corporal Kyler Rupert, and Karli Rupert [fiancé Joe Alfano].

Nancy’s family would like to express great appreciation to Dr. Duran, Dr. Coyle, Dr. Garg, and Dr. Nallapaneni for the love and care they and their staffs have given to Nancy throughout the years and at the end of her life. A huge thank you to Diane and Ed Reese and the wonderful staffs at The Inn at Poland Way and Briarfield Manor for their dignified and exceptional love and care and to Hospice of the Valley and the end of life angels that gave such tender loving care and respect to Nancy and her family in her final days. Thank you also to the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland Chapel for all of your gentle and compassionate guidance.  “Team Nancy” couldn’t have made it without each and every one of you!

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may take the form of contributions to your favorite charity or to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512.

Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.