Nancy Ressler was a beautiful, loving and caring wife, mother and friend. She was devoted to God, her family, her friends and her church. Her smile was captivating and her eyes bright and warm. She left a lasting impression on everyone she met because she cared so much about people and she was so inspiring. She loved to take walks, attend church, study the Bible, teach Sunday School, to write poems and stories, to play piano, to sing in the church choir, to get together with family and friends and taking good care of her family. She cared deeply for everyone she knew. She took time to pray for everyone in her life everyday and it was important to her that she share her love for the Lord and help people to be saved.
Nancy's poetry was in several publications including Purpose, Christian Living Magazine and the Grace Brethren Herald. She took the Institute of Children's Literature writing course and was on the Board of Directors for the St. David's Christian Writer's Conference. She attended the Grace Brethren Church at Willow Valley where she taught a Sunday School class, helped taking care of infants in the Nursery, played piano and sang alto in the choir. In addition to reading her poetry at church she also read at the Water Street Rescue Mission and Black Rock Retreat. She loved to help people and volunteered in the community.
Nancy grew up with her parents, Mary Mattis and Clarence Horst and her brother, Ronald Horst in Lancaster City, Pennsylvania. She loved life. She was beautiful fun and intelligent. She enjoyed school and church. She had good times with her family and her friends. She graduated from McCaskey High School in Lancaster and attended college at Kutztown University.
She married Ivan Ressler on April 7, 1974 at Covenant United Methodist Church in Lancaster. Her daughter, Angela Ressler, was born on October 21, 1977 followed by her son, Mark, born on May 27, 1988.
Nancy's life was a gift to all of us. She brought us all joy through her love, her music, her writing and her laughter. She believed in showing her love through action and she gave her time and attention to everyone in her life.
Nancy fought a long battle with bipolar disorder. Her faith stayed strong and she still gave all her love and care to those around her despite the illness she was stricken with. She stayed positive and she remained a shining light in the world no matter how difficult her life was.
We miss our wife, mother, sister and friend, Nancy Jean Ressler, so much. She meant so much to all of us and we are thankful to have had her in our lives. We know she is smiling down on us from Heaven.
We love you Nancy!
