Nancy Carolyn Sander

Nancy Carolyn Sander (Tracht), was born January 7, 1934 to Elsie Caroline Tracht and Robert Franklin Tracht. She died on August 21, 2026, peacefully, from natural causes.

She is survived by her sister, Sue Mesler (Larry); daughters, Sherrill Crawford (Wally) and Angela Dobbins (Russell); grandchildren, Kayla Reed (Chris), Connor Napier (Nicole), Seth Newland (Hannah Earhart), Benjamin Newland, Jilian Sander, Nathan Sander, Lauren Reese (Cory), Bryan Newland (Ashlyn); great-grandchildren, Hudson Reese and Cassidy Reese.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and Robert Tracht; husband, Rev. Daniel Sander; sister, Eileen Smith; son, David Sander; and stillborn daughter, Tina Marie.

Nancy was born and raised in Galion, OH. At a young age, she became a talented baton twirler and took part in local parades as a majorette all the way through college. When she wasn’t twirling, she also played flute in marching band. While at Capital University pursuing a degree in Elementary Education, she met the love of her life in a chance meeting sitting adjacent in chapel. The rest, as they say, is history! Nancy married Daniel Sander August 12, 1956 and they had 54 years together in MI, OH and PA, following Dan’s pastoral calls.

She spent many years teaching mostly Kindergarten and Nursery school in both public and private schools. She was a talented artist in multiple mediums and taught art as well. She was active in the church and held board positions with the women of the church. She was involved in all of her children’s activities- Den mother for Cub Scouts, Troop leader for Girl Scouts, Chaperone for the AFS club, etc. She and Dan led Marriage Encounter weekends in MI and OH to aid couples with their relationships for many years. But, she will likely be remembered most for her beautiful singing voice! She had an incredible range from contralto to soprano! Dad always said we kids got our voices from him because Mom still had hers!

She sang in church choirs all her life including Toledo, Butler, Saginaw and Parma and directed the children’s choir in Butler. She was in Chapel Choir while at Capital University and toured with them. While living in Butler, PA she was part of a professional trio named “The Grace Notes” and performed in many venues in PA and OH. When living in the Cleveland area, she participated in the Cleveland Lutheran Acapella choir, The Cleveland Orchestra Choir and the Blossom Festival Chorus.

She was privileged to be able to travel with Dan to Europe and The Holy Land. But, her favorite vacation spot was Lakeside, Ohio for over 60 years. They were able to retire there in the late 90’s. Lakeside remains our family’s “Happy Place.”

As a widow, she eventually moved into assisted living. It was there, at Violet Springs, that she met another very special person in her life, Bob Willison. They had a loving, though short, relationship. He remained devoted to her ‘til the end.

To know Nancy was to love her. She had a sweet, gentle nature that everyone, without exception, loved.

Family and friends may gather on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 10:00am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00am at the Hosanna Lutheran Church, 7714 Hazelton-Etna Rd SW, Pataskala, OH. A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the Pemberville Cemetery, Pemberville, Ohio.

Hoskinson Funeral & Cremation Service is honored to care for Nancy and her family.