Nancy Sue Pickel, a beloved native of Wingate, Indiana, passed away peacefully at the age of 70 on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana after an extended illness. Born on May 29, 1955, in Lafayette, Indiana, Nancy was the cherished daughter of Mary Neal Pickel and Mark Pickel. Nancy's life was a testament to love, resilience, and dedication to family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her wife, Rosa M. White, her parents, maternal grandparents Genevieve and Raymond Gaumey Neal, paternal grandparents Ruth and Glen Pickel, and her aunts and uncles Robert C. Neal, Max Pickel, and Margie and Mac Jewel.

Nancy is survived by her devoted brother, Frank Pickel (Nancy), and her caring sisters, Carolyn Pickel (Jessie) and Jeanie Heise (John). She will be fondly remembered by her aunt, Lelah Pickel, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Nancy attended Coal Creek Central from 1st through 10th grade. After school consolidation, she was a proud graduate of North Montgomery High School, class of 1973, and went on to earn degrees in elementary education and business management from Indiana State University in 1978.

Her career was as diverse as it was successful, ranging from office management in Lawton, Oklahoma, to owning a restaurant in Crawfordsville, Indiana. She also applied her talents at the Journal Review newspaper in the bookkeeping and accounts receivable department. Nancy's last six years were spent in Terre Haute. 

Her community involvement was extensive and heartfelt. Nancy was a member of the United Methodist Church of Wingate, now New Hope Chapel, and was actively involved in the Girl Scouts of America, Methodist Youth Fellowship, and 4-H. She dedicated many years to the Dorothy Q Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Crawfordsville, serving with distinction as a local Regent. Her passion for history was evident in her contributions to the local Basketball Hall of Fame in Crawfordsville. Creativity was a hallmark of Nancy's life. She found joy in counted cross-stitching, crocheting, and was an avid reader and loved working word search puzzles and playing Bingo. Her love for travel took her to lighthouses across the country, with the Nubble Lighthouse in York, Maine, holding a special place in her heart. A sports enthusiast, Nancy was a passionate fan of the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, and college basketball, particularly enjoying the excitement of March Madness. 

Those who knew Nancy admired her kindness, warmth, and unwavering generosity. Her smile could light up a room, and her encouragement and support were constants for those fortunate enough to be part of her life. She was a beacon of hope and love, always ready to lend a helping hand. 

A funeral service to celebrate Nancy's life will be held at Family and Friends Funeral Home, located at 9700 Old State Road 55 N, Wingate, Indiana, on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m. with the service immediately following at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Mike Parks officiating. Burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Wingate. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Dorothy Q Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) in Crawfordsville, Indiana, to honor Nancy's enduring legacy and commitment to her community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched with her love, laughter, and indomitable spirit. Online condolences may be made at www.familyandfriendsfh.com.