Nancy Jane (Gehrand) Willis

November 4, 1928 - December 12, 2025

Nancy Willis, 97, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, at The Waters of Wakarusa. She was born on November 4, 1928, in Elkhart, IN to the late Clarence and Mildred (Flint) Gehrand. On June 27, 1948, she married Donald Willis at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Elkhart. She was preceded in death by her husband; her sister, Mildred Marie Hahn; and her brother, Clarence (Bud) Leroy Gehrand. Nancy is survived by her four children: Bruce (Lisa) Willis, Gregg (Kimberly) Willis, Brian (Cynthia) Willis, and Shirley (David) Robey. Also surviving are her 10 grandchildren: Rachel (Patrick) Abel, David (MaKayla) Willis, Daniel (Laura) Willis, Rebekah (Noah) Lombard, Ian (Saralyn) Watts-Willis, Tristan Watts-Willis, Ben Willis, Brenda (Michael) Kotouc, Katharine Robey, and Eli Robey. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Everett Abel and Theodore Abel.

Nancy was a 1947 graduate of Elkhart High School and a 1954 graduate of Indiana University. She continued her academic career by attending summer courses at the Florida Institute of Technology and Notre Dame. Nancy taught biology, beginning in Salem, Indiana, and then returned to Elkhart, teaching at Elkhart High School and then Elkhart Central High School. She and Don were strong supporters of the music and theatre programs at the school, as well as serving as senior class sponsors for several years.

Nancy enjoyed singing in choirs and was a member of the St. Paul’s United Methodist Chancel Choir and the Elkhart Symphony Chorus. She collected Santa Claus and giraffe figurines and lovingly tended a beautiful home garden. She enjoyed camping trips out West with her family. She and her husband traveled much in their retirement, both abroad and across the country. She was a member of many organizations, including ECRTA, IRTA, the IU Alumni Association, AAUW, Delta Kappa Gamma, UMW, and Matinee Musicale. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Her warm smile and gentle spirit will be greatly missed.

Per Nancy’s request, she has been cremated. A celebration of life will be held at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 31st at 11:00, with visitation for 1 hour prior. Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church or Saving Grace Advocacy.