Nancy Louise Eshleman, 64, of 1625 Woodlands Run in Hagerstown, Md., died Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at Kline Hospice House in Mount Airy, Md.
Born Dec. 21, 1941, in Hagerstown, she was the daughter of the late Paul Lester Stoner and Susan Gertrude Louise Forsythe Stoner.
She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Daniel S. Eshleman, on March 22, 2004. They were married June 20, 1959.
Nancy was a member of the first graduating class of North Hagerstown High School. After graduating, she and her husband moved to Winona Lake, Ind., where he attended Grace Seminary. In the 44 years they were married, they ministered in seven different Grace Brethren churches.
Nancy was actively involved with Women of Grace (formerly Women’s Missionary Council). She served as a member and officer at the local, district and national levels. She was a member of the task force for National WMC when it was updated to Women of Grace. In addition to teaching Sunday School, Bible School, Children’s Church and ladies’ Bible studies, Nancy enjoyed serving as a leader for SMM, a ministry to girls.
After retiring from full-time ministry in 2002, the Eshlemans returned to their home church, Calvary Grace Brethren, where they started a ministry to senior adults.
Nancy is survived by three daughters, LouAnn Myers and husband, the Rev. Roger K. Myers, of Waynesboro, Pa., Carol Marie Barger and husband, Eric, of Hagerstown, and Christy Sue Spicer and husband, Jim, of Hagerstown; one son, Daniel Paul Eshleman and wife, Amy Dibert, of Johnstown, Pa.; one granddaughter, Hannah Marie Barger of Hagerstown; and two grandsons, Harrison Daniel Barger of Hagerstown, and Isaac Daniel Eshleman of Johnstown.
She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Beth Louise Eshleman; and a grandson, Caleb Michael Myers.
Services will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Calvary Grace Brethren Church, 115 Bryan Place, Hagerstown. The Rev. Douglas A. Courter and the Rev. Roger K. Myers will officiate. Burial will be in Rest Haven Cemetery, Hagerstown.
The family will receive friends Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Minnich Funeral Home, 415 E. Wilson Blvd., Hagerstown, and Saturday one hour prior to services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Washington County, Western Maryland Hospital, Third Floor, 1500 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742; Kline Hospice House, 7000 Kimmel Road, Mount Airy, MD 21771; or Calvary Grace Brethren Church, 115 Bryan Place, Hagerstown, MD 21740.
A note from the family explains further, “In January of this year, the family was told that the cancer had spread to the brain and mom was considered terminal with approximately three months to live. She was released from the hospital on January 4 under Hospice care.
“We praise the Lord that until April of this year she was able to be in her own home, much of the time on her own. We are also thankful that the brain cancer did not cause any more than short-term memory loss and very little confusion. She knew who was in her room and responded in some way to those who entered up until the last two days.
“The family would like to thank all who have been praying for mom especially over the last two years. We have definitely felt your prayers and appreciate the calls, cards, and visits to mom.”