Nancy Willaman

Nancy Ann Willaman (nee Witter) , 92, most recently a resident of Chesterwood Village in West Chester (northern Cincinnati), Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 29, 2021. Born to Smith “Smitty” and Lena Witter on September 26, 1929, in Steubenville, Ohio.

Preceded in death by her parents, Smith and Lena Witter, her husband of 64 years, Gene Willaman in 2015, her brother, Richard ‘Dick’ Witter, and son-in-law, Tom Meyer.

Nancy is survived by her three children, Debra Willaman of Columbus; Doug (Tammy) Willaman of Amanda, Ohio; and Jenny (Bob) Caccimelio of Mason, Ohio, eight grandchildren, Logan (Erika Prizzi), Erie (Gray Brooks) and Anna Meyer; Emily Willaman-Terrell; Tyler (Krista) and Matthew (Skyla Stromnes) Willaman; Kristen (Clint) Khemkhajon and Gina Caccimelio; and four great-grandchildren (with 2 more on the way) Madilyn Terrell, Brynn Stromnes, Ruby Prizzi-Meyer, and Francis Brooks. She is also survived by wonderful nieces and nephews Mike (Madeleine) Witter, Melinda Dare, and Brian and Steve (Ellen) White and special friends in the many wonderful cities she and Gene have called home: North Canton, Cambridge, Columbus, Zanesville, Strongsville, and Charleston, WV.

Nancy was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and cousin. The great many who had the good fortune to know her, know that she lived by the motto, “To find a friend, you have to be a friend.” And did she ever have friends! Nancy and Gene moved 14 times during their 64 years of marriage, mainly with Gene’s advancement opportunities with Columbia Gas of Ohio. It was often very difficult to pick up and leave a city and the many friends they had made after such a short time, but Nancy’s contagious smile, warmth, humor, selflessness, and overall positive disposition made her an absolute joy to be around, and she made friends so easily and became quickly involved in all that she could.

Majoring in Secretarial Science at Bowling Green State University, Nancy was involved in her sorority and used her beautiful singing voice in a traveling choir group, the Sweet Adelines. She later sang with music groups in Cambridge known as the Musigals and the Dick Simcox Band.
In addition to working as a secretary, Nancy also did some modeling for the Hoover Vacuum Company in North Canton, appearing in numerous print ads. (Apparently vacuuming in a pencil skirt and heels was popular in the 1950’s!)

Having worked with Welcome Wagon in Columbus, Nancy started the Welcome Basket program when they moved to Cambridge, welcoming all new residents and also worked for the Guernsey County Visitor’s Bureau. While in Cambridge, Nancy worked as a secretary, then for First National Bank (and Bank One) as a Credit Card Representative. She later obtained her Real Estate license after returning to Columbus and worked for Sam Crum Realty. All the while, Nancy was always involved in activities with and for her three children – PTA, band, boosters, classroom tutor and volunteer, chaired parent organizations for sports activities, etc.

After returning and retiring to Cambridge, Nancy and Gene were huge supporters of all that Cambridge had to offer, including the Dicken’s Victorian Village where they would dress in costume to welcome the numerous busloads of annual visitors. She was an active Wing Volunteer at the Southwest Medical Center, a member of the ladies’ golf league, and could often be found working at check-in stations for deer and turkey hunters.

Nancy learned to love fishing (after marrying Gene), and in retirement they bought a pontoon boat and docked at Salt Fork every spring through fall. And they taught every grandchild to love fishing, boating (along with the proper etiquette that goes with it), and tubing behind the boat. The entire family adores Salt Fork and will always cherish the fond memories of being there.

When someone needed help, or support for a cause, or just someone to talk to, Nancy was there. Her infectious smile, warmth, and ability to laugh when things were difficult, made her so easy to love. Everyone who knew her, loved her, because she loved them. She treated everyone like family, and to her they always will be.

In true Nancy fashion, she has many friends and loved ones who live both near and far. To minimize travel for those who wish to attend, we have decided to hold two celebrations of life for her; a Visitation in Cincinnati, and a Visitation and Memorial Service in Cambridge, as follows:

Visitation on Sunday, December 5 from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville, Rd., Mason, OH 45040

Visitation on Wednesday, December 22nd from 12:30 - 1:30 pm at Unity Presbyterian Church, 130 N. 7th St., Cambridge, OH 43725, with the funeral service beginning at 1:30 pm. Friends and family are invited to the Church's Fellowship Hall after the service for refreshments.

In lieu of flowers, Nancy’s family welcomes any donations in Nancy’s name to Salt Fork State Park. Please make checks out to Friends of Kennedy Stone House and send to: Friends of Kennedy Stone House, Salt Fork State Park, 14755 Cadiz Rd., Lore City, OH 43755.

Mueller Funeral Home is honored to serve the Willaman Family. 513-398-9100