Nancy Jo Warfel, 71, died unexpectedly on September 1, 2021, in Elkhart, IN. She was born in Elkhart, IN on March 29, 1950, to Earl "Joe" Snook, Jr, and Erma (Eby) Snook.
She spent much of her early childhood in Southern California, enjoying California's outdoor activities. A special memory of hers was horseback riding through the eucalyptus groves with a girlfriend. Later the family moved back to Elkhart, where she attended Concord High School. After high school, she attended Ball State University. She met her future husband and lifetime partner of 52 years of blissful marriage. After being with her husband on a four-year tour in the Air Force, most of it in Hawaii, she moved to Missoula, Montana, where her husband would be going to school. Missoula was also where she would give birth to her son, Jeremy.
It was in Montana that a significant change occurred in Nancy's life. She and her husband began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses. As they developed an understanding of the Bible, they wanted to share this hopeful message with others more fully. This spiritual growth led to their family traveling to various parts
of the USA, such as Arizona, Virginia, Wyoming, Indiana, and Washington, to help work with and support small congregations. In the over 46 years of full-time service, Nancy, working with her husband and partner, helped many others come to an appreciation of the truths found in the Bible. It was a real team effort, doing work that brought joy to her heart.
Nancy loved the outdoors, hiking, and backpacking, especially with her two Samoyeds. She felt that there was nothing better than enjoying the grandeur of the mountainous country. When living in Tacoma, Washington, Nancy was thrilled to observe Mount Rainier on every occasion. "There she is," she would often say with a beaming smile. And when the opportunity came along to go horseback riding, it brought great joy to her. She was in her element.
For the last five years of her life, she and her husband lived in Indiana. There, they continued in the ministry that had been the focus of her life.
Nancy truly loved her God Jehovah and his son Jesus. She delighted in teaching someone that wanted to learn from the Bible. She found great joy in helping people that might have had little hope or purpose in life, to know that God had a purpose for the earth and humankind. She treasured being used in some small way to give someone else hope for a better life.
She is survived by her spouse Terry Warfel of Middlebury, IN. She is also survived by her son Jeremy (Le Ellen) Warfel of Middlebury, IN, and Cassie Warfel, her granddaughter.
Nancy will be remembered by those who knew her for her high energy, a listening ear, a love of animals, and a beautiful smile.
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