Nancy J. Emrick

Nancy J. Emrick, 67, Perrysburg, fell ill and passed away suddenly Sept. 27 while traveling in San Francisco with her son, Chad. Nancy was born July 23, 1949 in Chicago to Lyman and Betty Prater. She met her future husband, David, while attending a West Toledo YMCA Friday night dance in 1966. They were married June 24, 1972 at First Congregational Church in Toledo. Dave preceded her in death on April 30, 2015. Nancy received a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Toledo in 1971 and later earned a Master of Library Science degree from UT in 1973. She worked in the Owens Community College Library for 35 years, as librarian, director and manager, until her retirement in 2007. A long-time member of the Toledo Area Librarians Association, Nancy served as treasurer for the last several years. She was an active member of First Congregational Church from her childhood until her death. Over the years, she was involved in Pilgrim Fellowship, Womens Fellowship, the Diaconate and Missions. She also served as church historian and volunteered in the church nursery. As an avid UT Rockets fan, Nancy was planning to attend the UT football game in Salt Lake City on Sept. 30 during the latter part of her trip. She and Dave had season football and basketball tickets for nearly 40 years, in addition to taking numerous trips to attend away games. Nancy and Dave enjoyed traveling, from family trips across the country to international trips during their retirement years. They had visited 48 states and 27 countries together. Nancy recently added her 28th country with a trip to Cuba this past spring. She spent her free time playing bridge, reading to children as a Read for Literacy volunteer and enjoying time with her three grandchildren. Nancy is survived by her son, Chad, Perrysburg; daughter, Bethany (Gregory) Petras, Toledo; three grandchildren, Andrew, Allison and Benjamin Petras; sister, Sue (Mike) Buescher, Greensboro, NC; brother, Ron (Jeanne) Prater, Little River, SC; and five nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, David; brother, Ken Prater; parents, Lyman and Betty Prater; and nephew, Brandon Sanford. Visitation will be held at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.), Toledo on Friday, Oct. 7, from 3 to 8 p.m. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Congregational Church, 2315 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH 43620.