Nancy Jo Zifer

Nancy Jo Zifer, 79, of New Philadelphia passed away peacefully Monday, September 24, 2018 at the Community Hospice Truman House in New Philadelphia.

Born in Dover on April 13, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Louis and Josephine (Ren) Leone. Nancy was a 1957 graduate of Dover St. Joseph High School. On June 27, 1959 she married James "Jim" Zifer, Sr., who proceeded her in death on December 24, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Dolores (Jack) Marks, and Mary (Bob) Kline.

A loving mother and grandmother, Nancy enjoyed spending time with her family and planning family gatherings, especially during the holidays. She was a life member of St Joseph Catholic Church where she sang in the choir. After her retirement from Bank One in 1994, she started playing golf and fell in love with the sport. Much of her time was spent on the golf course playing in several different leagues with friends. If she wasn't golfing, she liked to watch and follow the players in the PGA, especially Tiger Woods. She also loved to read, vacation at the beach, watch movies and attend events for her grandchildren. Giving back to the community was important to Nancy and she was recently recognized by Union Hospital for her 25 years of volunteer service.

She will be sadly missed by her children; James Zifer Jr. of New Albany, Vicky (Steve) Degen of Dublin, Dr. Sally (Kevin) Lauterjung of Akron, Becky (Daniel) Due of Upper Arlington, and Amy (Scott) Finnell of Dover; 14 grandchildren; and her brother, Mike (Jean) Leone of Dover.

Nancy volunteered for Hospice for many years and her final wishes were to be under their care. In appreciation for the exceptional care she received, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Community Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or St. Joseph Catholic Church, 613 Tuscarawas Ave, Dover, Ohio 44622.

Friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 6-7:45 pm. A rosary service will take place at 7:45 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 11:00 am. Friends can also call on Friday one hour prior to the mass at the church. Interment will be at St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery in Dover. Following the service of committal, a meal will be served at the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. To sign an online guestbook for Nancy, visit the obituary link on the funeral home’s website.