Nancy (Wages) Stafford

Aug. 24, 1937 – Dec. 7, 2020

Nancy (Wages) Stafford, age 83, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Dec. 7, 2020, in Homer, Alaska.

Nancy was born on Aug. 24, 1937, to Arthur and Susie Wages in Newark, Ohio. She grew up the eldest of seven siblings, helping in the large family garden and caring for the younger children.

Nancy met Bill Stafford at a square dance, and they were married in 1958 in Newark, Ohio. They had four children when they moved to Alaska in 1971. Nancy learned how to shift a manual transmission to drive a box van up the Alcan Highway behind Bill in an old school bus. Their fifth child was born in 1977. They spent time on Kodiak Island, in Old Harbor and on Sitkalidak Island.

Nancy and Bill attended Alaska Bible Institute in Homer. Traveling across the U.S., they resided in numerous states, but they always returned north. In the last few years, Nancy enjoyed calling Alaska her home. She said life was always an adventure with Bill.

She had a passion for playing cards, a knack for rocking any crying baby to sleep, and a sweet tooth for special treats. But most outstanding was her deep love for family. Nancy faithfully sent birthday cards stuffed with money and gum to each and every family member. Her grandkids were her pride and joy, and so many traveled long miles in her last weeks to share their love.

Nancy is preceded in death by husband Grant (Bill) Stafford; sister, Juanita Taggart; brother-in-law, Clifford Kramer; granddaughter, Sarah Merkes; and grandson, Nathan Waller.

She is survived by five siblings and numerous family members in Ohio; five children, Anita (Merkes), Timi Sue (Sandstrom), Kathy (Johnson), Tom Stafford and Bob Stafford; 23 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

The Memorial Service was held at the Sterling Community Center on Thursday, Dec. 10.