Nancy Louise Castle, 88, of Metamora, passed away at 12:06pm Monday, June 12, 2023 at Serenity Assisted Living in East Peoria.

She was born May 1, 1935 in Peoria to the late Harrison A. and Alda B. Fanning Leurig. She married Clarence Castle, Jr. on December 5, 1954 in Peoria.

Surviving is her husband, Clancy; their children, Julie (Tim) Jacobs of Germantown Hills, Laurie (Steven) Larsh of Washington, Brian Castle of Washington, David Castle of Metamora, Kelly Castle of Phoenix, AZ and Christopher Castle, of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Jesse, Sarah, Ben, and Will; and her siblings, Judy Burger, Hal Leurig, Ken Leurig, and Larry (Audrey) Ornett.

She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Sandy Cruse, Jack Barger, and Mike Maroney; and a daughter in law, Kasondra Castle.

Nancy created a beautiful, loving environment for her husband and children, excelling at all related tasks. She was accomplished in many ways: sewing, knitting, painting, singing, performing, decorating for the holidays, cooking, baking and raising six children who all love the Lord. She was very active in her children's activities and their schooling. She was a well-read woman and as a result, very intelligent. Her sense of humor and comedic side was sought out by many. She was a joy to be with! She loved parties and family gatherings and made them special every time.

Nancy had a beautiful voice and she was blessed to sing with many choirs over the years, as well as traveling to Europe for several performances, including one for Pope John Paul, II.

First and foremost, Nancy loved and served the Lord Jesus. She coordinated many Vacation Bible School programs, many Christmas programs and concerts and generally was heavily involved in all church activities her entire life. She was generous to the poor and downtrodden. She used her artistic talent to illustrate a book teaching literacy that was a companion to 1000 Bibles delivered to the Yalunka tribe of Africa.

Over the years, she authored a column for the Washington Courier, was president of the Beverly Manor PTA, and participated in the bowling league. Towards the end of her life when she was a resident in an assisted living facility, she kept a prayer list at her side where she would take time to pray for everyone on it. Many would come to her to ask if they might write their name on that list for prayer and she gladly welcomed that.

She was a friend of any who were lonely and hurting. She cared about people. She was a wonderful caring wife, mother, and Nana to her family and she will be deeply missed.

A funeral service for Nancy will be held at 11:00am Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Washington Christian Church. Visitation will be from 4-6:00pm Friday, June 23, 2023 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington; and one half hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Washington Christian Church in support of several mission outreach programs.