At the age of 88, Nancy Stoutz Hultquist died away quietly in Oberlin, Ohio, on December 14, 2025, surrounded by the affection of her loved ones throughout her last days, which were filled with phone calls, visits, and shared life celebrations.
Washington University awarded her a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. She then worked as the church secretary at Memorial Christian Church in Ann Arbor for almost 20 years, a role that reflected her strong civic and religious involvement and laid the groundwork for a career of devoted service.
She met Donald E. Hultquist in 1960 while undergoing clinical training at the University of Rochester. After being married in 1961, they began a life together marked by giving, curiosity, and active living. Together, they made significant contributions to their community, first as active members of Memorial Christian Church in Ann Arbor and, for the twenty-three years prior, as residents of Kendal at Oberlin, where they developed numerous important friendships and actively participated in local affairs.
She harmonized dynamic personal pursuits with the responsibilities of rearing five children. She maintained a regimen of swimming one mile daily into her ninth decade, consistently achieved a walking goal of ten thousand steps, and enjoyed culinary arts, handicrafts, and international travel undertaken for genealogical investigation. Recognized for her handcrafted woolen socks, she administered an active household while providing steadfast support for her children’s academic and developmental needs.
A committed volunteer and skilled organizer, she directed her energies toward numerous initiatives at both national and local scales. She made significant contributions to the Ann Arbor Public Schools, Memorial Christian Church, Community Peace Builders, and Crop Walk.
At Kendal at Oberlin, she served as the inaugural editor of the Eureka and Health & Wellness publications, presided over committees focusing on nutrition, athletics, woodcraft, library services, and genealogy, and completed two terms as president of the Kendal at Oberlin Residents Association, steering projects that fortified her residential community.
A joint commemorative service for Nancy and Donald Hultquist will be held at Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan) on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Visitation will commence at 1:00 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM.
