Nancy Ann Kuta

Nancy Ann Kuta, age 81, entered the embrace of her Lord and Savior on October 5th, 2024. She was a humble and joyful servant of God, who touched the lives of everyone she met. Whether through her kind words, warm smile, or her monthly-decorated walker, Nancy used every opportunity to engage in conversations that always pointed back to Jesus.

Born in Michigan City, Indiana, Nancy eventually settled in Bellefontaine, Ohio, after moving across Indiana and Ohio with her family. There, she found her dream job as the head children’s librarian at the Logan County District Library, a role she cherished for 31 glorious years. She became a local icon, inspiring children to fall in love with reading through storytime sessions, summer reading programs, puppet shows, and creative activities that made the library a magical place. Her heart for children extended beyond the library, as she ministered to young people in schools, special education programs, and her church.

Despite a lifetime of physical challenges and chronic pain due to long-term prednisone use, Nancy rarely let it diminish her spirit. Her infectious smile and uplifting presence were always felt by those around her. When she couldn’t be with others, she found joy in sending cards to encourage and bring laughter to those she loved.

Family meant the world to Nancy. She found happiness simply being surrounded by loved ones—whether they were playing games, sharing a meal, attending church, or just talking. She prayed fervently for her sons and their families and was typically the first one they turned to in times of need. Nancy was a constant source of support, cheering on her sons in scouting, sports, music, and theater. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she showered her grandchildren with love, stories, puppet shows, and food (mostly sweets). However, the greatest gift that she always gave was her time. 

Nancy's deep faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life. From the moment she accepted Him as her Savior while watching a Billy Graham Crusade with her mother in 1955, she followed Him wholeheartedly. Even during her final days in the hospital, she continued sharing her love for Jesus and inviting others to church. Throughout her life, she was actively involved in her church communities, singing in the choir, serving on the board, teaching Sunday school, and leading after-school reading programs. For her, the friends she made were what made a church feel like home, particularly with her "Granola Girls" Bible study group, who lovingly described themselves as "a little bit sweet, a little bit nutty, and good for each other."

Nancy is survived by her sons, Brian (Koleen) and David; grandchildren, Daniel (Heather), Elizabeth, and Rachel; great-grandchildren, Bradley and Joseph; nephews, Brandon Poole and Jonathan Poole; niece, Donelle (Jeff) Moore; cousins, Pam VanSickle, Judy Bridgewater, and Ron Thode; along with a multitude of dear friends and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Lucille Solner; sister, Debbie Poole; Daughter-in-law Meg; aunt, Dorothy Hurey; uncle, Orville Thode; and cousins, Marlene Sorget and Gayle Mihalik.

Memorial service will be held at Vineyard Church of Delaware County, 1001 W. Cherry St., Sunbury, Oh. 43074, on Saturday, October 12th. Visitation from 10-11AM, service at 11AM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nancy’s memory to one of her favorite charities: Vineyard Church of Delaware County (1001 W. Cherry St, Sunbury, OH 43074), Knowlton Library (220 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, OH 43311), or Joni and Friends (www.joniandfriends.org).