Nancy Nickerson Shontz

Nancy Nickerson Shontz of Hebron, Ohio, died February 7, 2026, in Granville, Ohio, from the effects of dementia. Nancy was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 9, 1942. Her parents were the late Dr. Ralph and Alice Nickerson.

She grew up in Massachusetts and was valedictorian of her high school class at West Springfield High. Nancy earned her bachelor's degree at Smith College and was elected Phi Beta Kappa. She then earned a master's degree at Duke University, where she also met her future husband, John Shontz, from Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania. They were married for 58 years. In 1969, she earned a Ph.D. at Smith College. Nancy pursued a career as a biology professor that included East Carolina University, University of Massachusetts, Holyoke Community College and 36 years at Grand Valley State University where she was named University Outstanding Teacher and received the College of Arts and Sciences Lifetime Achievement Award.

In addition to John, Nancy is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey and Douglas, Jeffrey's wife, Kim and two grandchildren, Natalie and Braeden.

Per Nancy's wishes, there will be no funeral service. A reception for family and friends will be held at Hoskinson Funeral Home in Kirkersville, Ohio, 285 E. Main St., from 7:00pm to 8:00pm on Monday, February 16, 2026.