Nancy Esther (Plank) Kelley

Nancy Esther Plank Kelley was born April 14, 1934 on Oakwood Avenue in the South end of Columbus, Ohio. The youngest of four siblings, following Betty “Sis”, brothers Willie and Walt, parents Loretta and Walter Plank. Her dad, Walter, bought a tavern on Parsons Avenue and named it Plank’s Café.  Nancy graduated from St. Mary’s High School on S. 3rd Street, where she later assisted in the renovation with a statue honoring her mother in the creation of the Garden of Peace. Nancy attended St. Francis Nursing School. When Don Kelley came home from the Army, he noticed she had grown up. He called her at her dorm, to Helen Duffy’s disbelief, and a lifelong partnership began. Nancy and Don were married at Corpus Christi Church and welcomed daughters Colleen and Maureen on Lockbourne Avenue.  The family expanded in rapid succession moving to South Bexley in Christ the King parish. They later moved further east to Holy Spirit parish where they lived for over 60 years.  Over all of those years, Nancy was supportive of Don in his business endeavors. At Holy Spirit, she was a member of, and had an affinity for, the work of St. Vincent dePaul.  She served as past president and continued her support in some capacity until her death. One of her greatest satisfactions was teaching Baptism preparation with her friend Esther Wilson and the “church ladies.” She lived her faith, always recognizing the gifts that were given to her. Nancy was always involved in a project to help someone struggling, to fight for justice, and to help those with minimal opportunity. It was her lifelong mission. In midlife, after raising her children, she graduated from Capital University, summa cum laude with a degree in English. Writing was a favorite pastime. Nancy wrote countless notes to friends, family, and mere acquaintances. She also wrote and published several books.  She and Don supplied dictionaries to all third graders in Columbus City Schools, a rewarding project that continues to this day. Mom had fond memories growing up spending summers with her family on Hermit Island at Indian Lake and visiting neighbors on Oakwood Avenue.  Ann Rupert “Is Nancy der”, became a valued friend for life.

Nancy’s favorite activity included planning family holidays, especially the annual live Christmas nativity play with grandchildren and great grandchildren. She volunteered and supported each school her children attended, Bishop Hartley and St. Charles Preparatory among them. 

Other favorites included travel with the Planks on Buckeye Booster trips to OSU games, leading and singing “Schnitzelbank” at Plank’s Bier Garden, spending part of the winter on Sanibel Island Florida with family, and a good Manhattan, her favorite drink. In midlife, she and Don traveled each year to her “magical place” in Ardnagashel Ireland where she developed a special friendship with Verna and Paddy Mulcahy. She had spoken with them on her birthday, two days before her death. Nancy loved planning the next event or singalong with Dave Heinmiller leading on guitar, her garden with a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and carefully choosing plants and flowers. She was always on the lookout for a gift to send to a grandchild or great grandchild, and eager to meet the next newborn. The day of her death, she held her latest great grandson, just 3 weeks old. 

Preceded in death by parents Walter and Loretta Plank, sister Betty “Sis”, and brothers Willie and Walt (Liz); grandson Sean Bunstine; mother and father-in-law, Mary and Walter Kelley, brothers-in-law Dick (Carm) Kelley and Jack Kelley. 

Survived by loving and devoted husband of 72 years Donald W. Kelley; children Colleen (Phill) and their children Molly, Theresa, and Nick (Kisha) Shubert; Maureen (Jim) and their children Matt, Meg (Brian), Joe (Eva) and Kelley Havens;  Tim (Cindy) and their children Claire (Nathan), Michael (Michaela), Ann (Collin), Ben (Gina), and Julia (Ricky);Terry (Michele) Kelley; Patrick (Lisa) and their children Erin (Kris), Beth (Justin), Kate, Kara (Joey), Blaire, Mary, Abbie (Samuel), Colleen (Josh), and Fidelis; Peggy Kelley and children Kathleen (Alex), John (Natalie), Charley (fiancée Amy), and CR Quinn; Kathleen (Will) and their children Connor and Mary Kate Bunstine; 26 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren with two on the way. Also survived by sisters-in-law Marilyn Kelley Turnock and Marilyn Thurn Plank; numerous cherished nieces, nephews, cousin Patty Stanley and many dear friends.

Friends may call Sunday, April 26, from 2-5 at the Chapel at the Shrine of Saint Therese, 5277 East Broad Street.   Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, April 27, at 11am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4383 East Broad Street.  Arrangements by Egan-Ryan Funeral Home, 403 E. Broad St. 

In lieu of flowers friends who wish may contribute in Nancy’s honor to the Holy Spirit St Vincent dePaul, care of Mark Heinmiller, or any other charity Nancy loved.

We want to thank the people through the years who encouraged, mentored, and truly cared for and loved our Mom and brought joy to her life, and special lifelong friend and confidant Fr. Jack Dreese. Appreciation to her granddaughter, Mary Kelley, R.N., for her patient and loving care and to all the caregivers who lovingly cared for her even as she struggled to give up her independence. Special thanks to the Weiler family whose love and support we cherish, and to the endless others too numerous to mention. We hope to carry on the best of Mom and the life she lived with faith, grace and humility. Rest in peace to our loving wife, mother, aunt, Nanny and great Nanny.

One of Mom’s favorite quotes in her later years was “My soul is waiting for the Lord”- Psalm 130