Nancy Jane (Barber) Holroyd

Nancy Jane (Barber) Holroyd of Richland, MI

Nancy, age 86, died Wednesday evening, February 22, 2017 at her residence with her loving family at her side.

Nancy, the daughter of Blaine A. and Helen E. (Solomon) Barber, was born in Richland on March 21, 1930; was a lifetime resident and a 1949 graduate of Richland High School. She had been employed at Upjohn Company and Gibson Guitar Company, both of Kalamazoo, until she became a mother and the accountant for the family farm and construction businesses. In her spare time, Nancy enjoyed playing the piano, listening to the 78 platters of the 30's and 40's music, bird watching and gardening, but her true passion in life was family; including, not only her children and grandchildren, but also several foster children.

Nancy was united in marriage to Kenneth E. "Ken" Holroyd in Richland on July 1, 1950 and he sadly preceded her in death after 63 years of marriage on December 25,2013. Surviving is her daughter, Cheryl K. (Tom) Lanphear of Richland; three sons, Kenneth J. (Melissa) Holroyd of Richland, William E. (Pam) Holroyd of Alamo, MI and Russell B. (Barbara) Holroyd of Delton, MI; ten precious grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren and her sister, Sarah Holroyd of Richland. Nancy was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Art.

The Graveside Service to celebrate Nancy's life will be held on Friday, March 10th at 1:00 p.m. in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, with Rev. David Beetham, Pastor of the Kalamazoo Covenant Church of Comstock, MI, officiating. Nancy's family will greet family and friends on Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Nancy's honor may be directed to the Michigan Audubon Society, 2310 Science Parkway, Okemos, MI 48864 or the American Cancer Society, 1400 West Milham Road, Portage, MI 49024.