Nancy Beck

Nancy J. Beck

September 6, 1949 – April 17, 2026

Lancaster, Ohio – Nancy Jeanne Ellis Beck died peacefully in her sleep on the morning of April 17, with her family by her side. She was 76 years old, and she spent her final days surrounded by the love of her family and friends in the spring sunshine.

Nancy was born in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Robert T. Ellis and Joanne D. Ellis. As the first of four daughters, she treasured her family and their shared memories. Thanks to generations before her, Nancy spent her life returning to her favorite place in the world, Sapphire Lake. As a child, she swam to the island, and as an adult, she raised her children alongside her sisters on the beach. She worked on her cabin with her husband, and she played on the sandbar with her children and grandchildren. Nancy never missed a game of volleyball or horseshoes. Nancy found peace, fulfillment, happiness, and love near the waters of Sapphire Lake in Michigan.

Nancy was a proud alumna of Upper Arlington High School and The Ohio State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts. She created art through oil pastels, and she deeply appreciated art created by others. Nancy was gregarious, and she knew no strangers. Throughout her life, she built strong friendships and nurtured them over many years. Any friend of Nancy knew that she would listen and remember every important detail. Nancy stood by her convictions throughout her life, and her zeal for protecting the environment, human rights, and the underdog motivated her. Later in life, she used her voice for the causes she valued most.

Nancy met the love of her life, Frank, on a blind date. Nancy and Frank were the first couple to be married in the Park of Roses in Columbus on August 14, 1971. Together, they built the life of their dreams, and their relationship was strengthened through the daily work they shared while running Beck’s Designer Kitchens for many years. They settled in Clintonville, Ohio, where they built their family. Nancy’s greatest joy and pride were her children, Sarah and Andy. Nancy and Frank also crafted a life centered on the outdoors, and they maintained a cabin on Lake Sapphire, while also building a second cabin in the Hocking Hills of southern Ohio from the ground up.

Spending time outside with family and friends was Nancy’s favorite pastime. She spent winters on ski patrol, and she spent summer days near the water, on her bike, camping, or hiking through the woods. Nancy loved being on the water, and whatever boat brought her there in that moment was her favorite. She enjoyed sailing, and she also loved kayaking and canoeing. Later in life, she found great joy in giving tours of Lake Sapphire on the pontoon boat, sharing her love of the lake with family, friends, and neighbors. She also enjoyed water skiing, swimming, and searching for rocks along the shore. She never missed a sunset, and she always paused to listen for the call of the loons. Nancy also loved exploring every inch of Michigan, and spending time along Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, where she created lasting memories and

shared those experiences with Frank, Andy, and Sarah, and anyone else who wanted to tag along.

Those who knew Nancy well, and even those who met her briefly at the Town Pump, understood one thing above all else: her love for her grandchildren was unmatched. She never missed an opportunity to share stories about her four granddaughters, and she often spoke of how they were each five years apart. At the time of her death, they were 5, 10, 15, and 20 years old, and she often told them that counting by fives was her favorite. Nancy loved her granddaughters, Olivia McCauley, Rosemary McCauley, Scarlett Beck, and Delilah Beck, dearly.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin H. Beck, and her sister, Barb Holderman.

Nancy is survived by her children, Sarah McCauley (Adam), and Andy Beck (Allayn); her grandchildren; her sisters, Judy Frawley and Betty Altfater (Al); her brother-in-law, Dan Jones; and her niece and nephews, Bert Jones, Kim Jones, Brian Altfater, Todd Altfater, and Adam Holderman.

During the final chapter of Nancy’s life, she was cared for and loved by her children, Sarah and Andy. While there is never enough time, the time she spent with them was what she wanted most. She found peace and comfort in the love that she and Frank created in Andy and Sarah, and that love held her as she left this world to join him.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at a later date for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association, Inc., reflecting Nancy’s deep connection to and love for the lake, or to Fairhope Hospice & Palliative Care, whose staff provided such compassionate and wonderful care in her final days.

Online condolences can be made at www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.