Nancy H. Gawthrop

Nancy Hovis Ellsworth Gawthrop, born March 24, 1921, died very peacefully at her home on Friday, October 29, 2010. She is survived by a son, James, of Marietta, a sister Jane Booton of Dayton, and nineteen nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her first born son, Bruce Ellsworth, her parents Logan and Helen Hovis, her husband Paul Gawthrop, her daughter Helen Jean Gawthrop, and her brother Dr. Logan Hovis.

Nancy graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College where she was awarded a membership in the Mortar Board Honorary Club, and during World War II served as a Cryptographic Specialist for the Signal Corps in Arlington, Virginia.

Upon her return to Parkersburg she taught second grade at Emerson School, was President of the Junior Womens’ Club, and was a member of St. Andrews' Methodist Episcopal Church.

Upon moving to Marietta in 1957 she became a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, served two terms on the Women’s Board of the Betsey Mills Club, tutored for several years Johnny Meredith, a boy severely afflicted with muscular dystrophy. Nancy taught fifth grade for several years at North Hills School in Marietta, continued substitute teaching until 1975, worked as a literacy volunteer as well as a member of 55 Plus at Marietta Memorial Hospital where she served in the nursery. She worked as a volunteer at the River Museum, delivered Franciscan meals, and was a member of AAUW (the American Association of University Women.) Along with her husband Paul, she was a long-time member of Senior Reading Club, several bridge clubs, and was an active member of the Marietta chapter of P.E.O. Sisterhood (a Philanthropical Educational Organization which provides grants, scholarships, and other assistance to help young women afford college.) She worked at the Records Office at Marietta College from 1975 until her retirement.

Nancy has been a member of the Friendship Ridge Christian Fellowship in Belpre since May 2001.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday (November 3rd) at 2:00 pm at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home with Pastor David Ellenwood officiating.  Friends may call at the funeral home beginning Tuesday at 2:00 pm with family present from 2-4 and 6-8.