Nancy Ruth Frey Longenecker, long-time resident of Mennonite Home Communities, Lancaster, Pa., went to her home in Heaven where she met her Lord and Savior on June 27, 2020. Nancy is the daughter of Fannie Shank Daveler Frey and Elias Trout Frey, born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on October 25, 1930. She was the wife of Henry Z. Longenecker, married for 38 years.
Nancy’s family lived on a large farm near Elizabethtown, Pa., where everyone worked hard. Nancy is predeceased by her parents and siblings: Dorothy, Paul, Harold, Mary, Martin, Ralph, Elias Jr., Claude, Earl. She is survived by siblings: Erma Metzler Betz Schnabel, Wilbur Frey, and Lois Frey, and numerous nieces and nephews.
After graduating from Elizabethtown High School, Nancy worked at Aunt Sally’s Kitchen. She managed the dining service for Philhaven Hospital for a number of years, meeting the dietary needs of the patients. She also taught Bible School in Alabama, and Steelton Mission, Steelton, Pa. Her love of Jesus Christ took her into many places of service. She treasured God’s word and shared it with everyone she met.
On April 8, 1967, Nancy married Henry Z. Longenecker. Together they attended Steelton Mennonite Church, teaching Sunday school, relating to many in the community, and joyously serving the Lord together. Leading a Bible study at the Dauphin Manor Home every Tuesday afternoon was a particular ministry of blessing to the residents. She accompanied Henry on the piano while he led songs. During these years, Nancy also worked at the Spring Glen stand in the Kline Village Farmer’s Market. Nancy’s sewing expertise brought many persons to her for alterations of clothing and new creations. She made her own wedding dress and Gloria’s wedding dress in the same year. Later, she also made the wedding dresses of two granddaughters, Elaine and Tina.
Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Henry Longenecker, in January, 2005, and stepdaughter, Elaine M. Clymer in April, 2015. She is survived by stepdaughters: Marian (James, deceased) Burkholder, Carolyn (Lowell) Horst, Gloria (Galen) Lehman, and Nancy Pellegrini. Eleven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren also survive.
Having lived formerly in Middletown, Nancy moved to Woodcrest Villas, Lancaster, in 2002, and enjoyed living in this community where she volunteered in many ways, and served on several committees, and led the prayer chain. She took in sewing and alterations for her neighbors in Woodcrest Villas; the quality of her work brought her numerous clients.
Nancy’s many friends in Woodcrest Villas meant so much to her, and gave her joy and support through the 19 years that she lived there.
The family expresses gratitude to the staff of Woodcrest Villas and Mennonite Home, particularly Reed Run, and to the nurses and aides of Hospice & Community Care of Lancaster for their continued concern for Nancy’s wellbeing during the difficult months of her illness.
In accordance with Nancy’s request, her body is donated for scientific research. A memorial service of thanksgiving for Nancy’s life will be held at Mountville Mennonite Church, 205 Froelich Avenue, Mountville, PA 17554, led by Pastors Jim Laverty and Phil Shertzer, as soon as circumstances allow. Current plans are postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s honor to: Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Road, Lititz, PA 17543 or The Mennonite Home Benevolent Care program, 2001 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.
Arrangements are being handled by DeBord-Snyder Funeral Home. See the obituary at www.DeBordSnyder.com
Warren and Linda Tyson
To Nancy’s family… Condolences to you all in Nancy’s passing on to glory! Sweet memories are ours from past years. Warren and I credit her husband Henry for bringing Elizabethtown Area Mennonite Chorus to a beginning and thus how Warren and I met. We trust God’s enduring peace and strength to sustain you in coming days. God is with you.
Barbara Reed
Good memories of Nancy reach back as far as childhood at E-town Mennonite. Nancy blessed so many and will be missed. May God’s comfort be generous to family, not least of all to Elaine and Doug whom I know best.
Pat Ritchie
What a beautiful statement of Nancy’s life. She touched so many people in many different ways. I always enjoyed time spent with her. She meant so much to her sister Mary Frey Ritchie, my mother-in-law. Nancy was always a rock of support to her family. She will be greatly missed.
Maria Nicely Anderson
You were blessed to have such a strong, loving Christ follower in your family!
Mildred Ebersole Martin
I have fond memories of Nancy as my camp counselor in the early days of Camp Hebron (early 1960’s) with a few of us youth from Steelton attending camp. A few years later I enjoyed singing with Elizabethtown Area Mennonite Chorus where newly-married Nancy & Henry were a tremendous asset to the chorus! To the family — May God’s grace and peace be abundant in days & weeks ahead.
Marilyn Beardslee
You have my prayers and sympathy. Nancy was a dear friend of mine at Woodcrest Villa and I miss her beautiful smile and warm, Christ loving personality. Blessings to you as you celebrate her life.