Nancy Ann Ohda, née Parker, was born on August 29, 1938, near a small, close-knit community of Wyanet, Illinois. On August 17, 2026, surrounded by loving care at Campbell Health and Rehabilitation, Nancy's remarkable journey came to a peaceful close.

From her earliest days, Nancy's life was shaped by deep family bonds and the open skies of the Illinois countryside. As a child, she grew up alongside her cherished cousin, Tom Parker, playing marbles, riding horses, and creating memories that would stay with her for a lifetime. The laughter and warmth of her childhood home formed the foundations of her enduring compassion, quick humor, and boundless love for all those around her.

Nancy's faith in God guided her every step. Her strong spiritual life offered comfort and strength, and she became a source of solace for those she met. This unwavering faith, paired with an inquisitive mind, led her to spend several years researching her family's genealogy, piecing together fragments of history to pass on to future generations. As a researcher, Nancy tackled every endeavor, no matter how complex, with patience and grace, demonstrating her keen intellect and quiet determination.

Before settling back in Illinois and marrying her beloved husband Walt Ohda, Nancy set off on adventures that would take her all across the United States. Whether she was traveling new roads or returning to familiar fields, her zest for exploration was matched only by the love she found when she returned home. Together, Nancy and Walt became pillars of their community; their most lasting contribution was their instrumental role in creating the Walnut Veteran’s Memorial. Now standing proudly in Downtown Walnut, Illinois, the Memorial is a testament to their shared dedication, remembrance, and sense of service, a legacy that will endure for generations.

Nancy was a creator at heart. Her quilts warmed not just bodies but spirits, each crafted stitch reflecting her care and creativity. Her gardens bloomed with the kind of beauty only a tender hand and a loving soul could nurture a sanctuary of color and tranquility that echoed her own gentle nature.

Those who knew Nancy remember her quick wit that could brighten any room, her compassion that embraced friends and strangers alike, and her steadfast devotion to her loved ones. She leaves behind a son, Karl Riemer, and a daughter, Shawna Morgan, both of whom were the pride and joy of her later years.

Nancy is reunited in rest with her beloved daughter, Anita Michelle Thorsen, and her dearly missed husband, Walt Ohda. Their memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved them.

Nancy Ann Ohda will be remembered not just for the milestones she achieved or the roles she played, but for her love, the kind of love that lifts others up, that shapes communities, that never fades. Her story is woven into the very fabric of those she leaves behind, a cherished legacy of faith, laughter, action, and unfailing kindness.