Nancy Kay Schultheis-Krebs

Schultheis-Krebs, Nancy Kay, December 30, 2024 age 79 of Ann Arbor. Beloved wife of the late Glenn Krebs. Also, survived by her beloved soul mate George Smith, and George’s cherished family, including: children Lisa (Scott) Paxson, Amy (Neil) Harrison and George’s grandchildren James, Jessica, and Josephine. Nancy was born June 8, 1945 on the east side of Detroit to Catherine (nee O’Rourke) and Clairmont Schultheis. She grew up with younger brother Charles and the presence of grandmother Martha O’Rourke and uncle Oliver O’Rourke. She has characterized her parents as loving, kind, outgoing/playful, and hard working. Nancy graduated from Bentley High School in Livonia in 1963, and went on to the University of Michigan where she completed a nursing degree, BSN. She later returned to complete a master’s program in public health and social work. These multiple degrees opened doors to a variety of positions over the years. Nancy worked at Mott Children’s Hospital, Children’s Psychiatric Hospital, Washtenaw Council on Alcoholism, Chelsea Hospital; she also worked with a individualized home nursing care program, and 7 years at Harper Hospital EAP (Employee Assistance Program). After divorcing first husband Hans Cozah (a good man, but not a good match), Nancy spent a number of years as a single woman. She started a singles group at her church Trinity Lutheran and through this, met her future husband Glenn F. Krebs in October 1981. The couple married in December of 1984, and spent 33 loving and devoted years together. Glenn developed Alzheimer’s disease, starting around 2006, and died in October of 2018, having spent approximately the last two years of his life at Huron Woods, a memory care facility then part of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, after prior help from a day care program in Ann Arbor. This late chapter in the marriage was especially challenging. Nancy was forever grateful for Glenn’s care at Huron Woods. She spent a number of hours each day with Glenn and cherished the impact of the competent and loving staff. Coordinator William Scott coordinated admissions and more and became a blessing to many of the families facing the challenges of caring for their loved ones. This journey also introduced Nancy and Glenn to many wonderful and accomplished residents/patients and their loving families. Nancy and several other families formed what continued after the loss of loved ones to be a special support group; this includes George Smith, Iva Corbett, Bonnie Clyde, and David Chu. A special connection developed over time with Ernest George Smith, whose wonderful wife Shirley was also at Huron Woods. This friendship grew into a loving connection, and Nancy described George as a soul mate. She was also grateful for his wonderful family and friends who welcomed her presence in his life – especially his daughters Lisa and Amy, and grandchildren James, Jessica, and Josephine. Nancy is survived by her sister-in-law Anne Schultheis, Anne’s sister Catherine McBride, Glenn’s sister Barbara (Dean) Alpeter; by loving nephew Scott Schultheis, his partner Jenn Walter, and their children Samuel, Patience, Isis, and Artemis. Nancy is also survived by niece Brenda Alpeter; nephews Mark (Lisa) Alpeter and Matthew (Jewel) Alpeter; great-niece Sara Beth, great-nephew Ryan, and great-niece Ana. Nancy’s brother Charles, in her eyes a essential part of the family, died just 4 days before her husband Glenn after a valiant battle with cancer. Nancy was also predeceased by her parents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Nancy was loved by many and made a difference in the lives of those she touched as a nurse, social worker and valued friend. She enjoyed dancing and gardening, always admiring and cherishing the flowers she was frequently given. In a nutshell, I am so grateful and feel so blessed by three things and more: Loving and wonderful family, friends, and caregivers A career that provided challenge and growth and allowed me to meet some great colleagues, clients, and patients. The love of two wonderful men, my husband Glenn and soul mate Ernest George Smith of Plymouth, and the love and open arms of George’s family. The family would like to share that Nancy had the foresight and courage to craft most of this obituary herself. They are forever grateful for her words. Visitation Friday, January 10th 11 AM until the 1 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Road West (between Sheldon and Beck) Plymouth. Memorial contributions may be made to the Plymouth Salvation Army, 9451 S. Main St., Plymouth, MI 48170, the Robert J. Delonis Center, 312 W. Huron St., Ann Arbor, MI 48103 or Dawn Farms, 502 W. Huron St. Ann Arbor MI 48103. To share a memory, please use the share a memory tab on this webpage.

Nancy Kay Schultheis-Krebs

June 8, 1945 - December 30, 2024