Nancy A. Dibble

Nancy Hessler, age 97, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 2, 2025, in East Lansing, Michigan. Nancy was born on August 12, 1928, at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her parents were Carl Hessler and Blanche (Gormel) Hessler. Nancy had an older brother named Wesley. Nancy was raised on a family potato farm in Rockford, Michigan.

As a child, Nancy took dance and voice lessons. She would practice in the icehouse near the main farmhouse. As Nancy perfected her craft, she performed for others. Her mother dressed her as Shirley Temple, and she sang and danced as Shirley did.

Nancy graduated from Rockford High School and attended Michigan State University. She was a music major and elementary teaching minor. While at college, she was active in Chi Omega sorority and for many years after graduation.

During one of these sorority dances, she met her future husband, Lee Dibble. After graduation from college, the couple got married on August 20, 1949. They built a house in Lansing where they resided for over 73 years. During this time, Nancy took a teaching position until their first child, David, was born. Diane came along 2 years later. Once her children grew up, she returned to teaching as an instructional aide until she retired.

Nancy and Lee were members of Central United Methodist Church for approximately 72 years. Lee and Nancy enjoyed playing tennis and competed in several leagues. They also enjoyed traveling, including a trip to Hong Kong and spent their winters in Mexico.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Lee Dibble and her brother, Wesley. Nancy is survived by her son, David (Maria) Dibble and her daughter Diane (Mark) Erickson. Nancy and Lee had 4 grandchildren, Carl (Elizabeth), Michael (Alyse), Shannon (Jared), and Dustin (Jessica). They also shared 8 great-grandsons and 2 great-granddaughters.

A private ceremony will take place with close family at later date and time.