Nancy L. Youngblood
May 16, 1943 – May 26, 2021
In accordance with her wishes, cremation will take place and the family will greet other family and friends for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 5, 2021 beginning at 4:30 p.m.at Shalom, Inc., located at 6276 North Riverview Drive in Kalamazoo, Michigan 49004. The family asks that those planning on attending please bring a dish to pass to share in food, fellowship and memories. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, care of the funeral home. Please feel free to leave a condolence message for Nancy’s family.
Obituary
Age 78, passed away at home on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 with her children, grandchildren and other family members at her side. Nancy was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on May 16, 1943, the daughter of Ross and Frances (Taylor) Paddock. Nancy was a wonderful, kind and compassionate woman who cared deeply for her family and others. During her career, she worked with Visiting Nurses Association and Senior Services of Kalamazoo, serving the vulnerable and others who were unable to care for themselves. Nancy spent her entire life helping others and did so with a kindness like no other. Following her graduation from Kalamazoo Central High School, she met and married Bernard “Bernie” Youngblood on February 01, 1964, and celebrated 56 years of marriage, prior to Bernie’s death on September 11, 2020. During Bernie’s extended illness, Nancy gave of herself, caring for Bernie and keeping her faith that the Lord had a plan for them. Nancy was an avid crossword puzzle sleuth, loved reading, board games, crocheting, walking and bowling with her leagues at Richland Lanes. Nancy and Bernie were a power couple in the Al-Anon and Alcoholics Anonymous programs, holding the hands and guiding those suffering from addiction. Together, they helped literally save the lives of countless individuals and made life-long friends along the way. Her life was always centered around her family, especially her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bernie, and ten of her brothers and sisters. She leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Thomas (Audrey) Youngblood of Parchment, Michigan, Barbara (George Ransome) Youngblood of Battle Creek, Michigan and Bradley (Missi) Youngblood of Kalamazoo, Michigan, along with her beloved grandchildren, Elida, Ian and Anna Youngblood, her brother Jerry Paddock and her sisters-in-law, Rose Marie Creek, and Esther Paddock, as well as countless nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.
Aunt Nancy was our primary contact to understand more of the history of our Fathers (Paddock Side) of our family. Her brother Glenn ( our father and husband to our mother, Esther) passed on relatively early in our family’s lives. It created a void in understanding the Paddock side of our history. Thank goodness for Aunt Nancy! It seemed she transcended our Dad’s gregarious personality when she was around us to help us get through our rough loss. We certainly needed and appreciated that! She always seemed to have the right comforting answers to the questions we asked. Ever so proudly, she explained patiently and thoughtfully how things were growing up in her family and let us imagine how things were. Brilliant! More than an Aunt, she was always a close friend of the family and will truly be lovingly remembered by all of us, Always. Esther Paddock and Family
I met Nancy and Bernie in1973 while I was married to Claude Dean. Bernie and Claude were “friends of Bill”. We both remained friends until their deaths. I introduced my new husband to them and we Bowled with Nancy and played cards and shared supper with them once a month. We always had such a good time and shared so many laughs. I will miss them so much. Nancy and I were able to have one last lunch at the bowling alley just before she found out she too had cancer. I could not believe it when she called to tell me. Even though I tried many times to call her that was the last time I spoke to her. I will miss my dear longtime friend very much. I know Bernie is waiting with his arms wide open.
My condolences to her family. I am friends with her extended family and a member of Christ Temple Church for 38 years. I remember her dad and loved and respected him highly. I met and talked with Nancy on her visits to the church many times and will miss her.
I am so sorry to hear of Nancy’s passing. When I moved to Richland 10 years ago, I decided to join a bowling league at Richland Lanes as a way to meet new people, even though I had never bowled before. Nancy was one of the experienced bowlers on our team and was very patient with me because I am a terrible bowler! Even though I only bowled with her for 2 years, I would see her at Mass at St. Ann’s church. My condolences to the family.