“Nancy once was lost, but now she’s found; she was blind, but now she sees.”

Nancy M. (Rothenberger) Coles, 95, of Troy, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born November 6, 1930, in Phoenixville, PA, Nancy Mae was a daughter of the late Harold and Martha (Espenship) Rothenberger. She attended Schwenksville High School and graduated with the Class of 1949. On March 30, 1952, Nancy married her soulmate, James “Jimmy” Coles, in Saxton, PA. Together, they raised three children and shared 67 years of loving and devoted marriage until Jimmy’s passing in 2019.

Nancy spent nearly 20 years working as a caregiver, a role that reflected her caring nature and willingness to help others. She later worked at the Barnstead Pantry in Troy. Nancy was a faithful member of the First Christian Church of Alba and was formerly a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Saxton, PA.

Nancy was a talented and crafty woman who especially enjoyed cross-stitching and quilting. She was also an avid NASCAR fan. In earlier years, she could often be found cheering for Jeff Gordon, and more recently, she rooted for Denny Hamlin. Above all else, Nancy treasured her family. The time she spent with those she loved and the memories they created together meant more to her than anything.

Nancy leaves behind two daughters; Marti (Tom) Rusk of Troy, Faye Kauffman of Oracle, Arizona, son; James "Gaf" Coles of Arizona, grandchildren; Tanya (Craig) Route, Melissa (Nathan) Davis, Rebecca (Greg) Bellows, Chad (Heather) Kauffman, Kurt (Shanna) Kauffman, Rachel (Ryan) Bown, Zachary (Nicole) Detweiler, Brandi Coles, Brittany Coles and Andrea (Devon) Perry, 18 great grandchildren, four great-great grandchildren, sister; Gloria ”Chickie” Daymont of Maryland, brother; Harold Rothenberger of Virginia, special friends; Dave (Deb) LeVan, Sally VanNoy and Jim (Carol) Fitch, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

Besides her parents and husband Jimmy, Nancy was predeceased by her grandparents, who raised her, Corson and Annie (Troxel) Espenship, brothers; Russell, Charles and Edward, sisters; Pearl and Marie, sons-in-law; Allen Kauffman and Terry Detweiler and daughters-in-law; Pam Coles and Patty Coles.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Kim Hamilton and UPMC Hospice for the wonderful care they provided to Nancy, especially MaShawn and Kim.

A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the First Christian Church of Alba, 74 Church Dr, Alba, PA 16910. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Nancy’s name may be directed to the First Christian Church of Alba.

Pepper Funeral Home and Cremation Facility, 578 Springbrook Drive in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Nancy and condolences to her family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.