Nancy J. Macias

Nancy J. Macias, 88, of Lancaster, passed away Friday, September 4, 2026, at Kadima Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Lititz. She was the widow of Arthur Macias and was also preceded in death by her first husband, E. Lester Ober, to whom she had been married for 27 years.

Born November 3, 1937, in Cleveland, OH, she was the daughter of the late Everett and Ann (Koze) Heckathorn, who passed away while Nancy was very young. She was raised in Willard, OH, by her great aunt and uncle, Edna and Richard Rothgery, who cared for her very much. After a trip to Mexico as a teen, Nancy acquired the “travel bug” and visited many foreign countries throughout her life.

In 1959 she graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in home economics. She joined the school’s Swan Club synchronized swim team and became an avid lifelong swimmer. She was a proud Buckeyes football fan along with her classmate and dear friend since first grade, Harlene (Stapf) Palkuti. She lovingly raised three active boys and encouraged them in sports, including competitive swimming, and fostered an appreciation for travel in them – all while frequently re-locating the family due to her husband’s career moves. While living in Bowling Green, OH, Nancy finished an Elementary Education Teaching Certificate through Bowling Green University, and after moving to Rochester, MI she helped start a successful co-op nursery school at a local church which is still in operation today. A lifelong learner, Nancy was a voracious reader. In 1987 she earned her Doctorate from Walden University, and went on to teach for many years in a variety of settings, including as an Instructor at Penn State University. Later in her life, she lived in Sedona, AZ, for 20 years, and was an active volunteer working to register voters and support local candidates running for office.

Nancy is survived by her 3 sons, Brad Ober (Michele Bote), Brooke Ober (Roxanne), and Blake Ober; and 3 grandchildren, Nathan Ober, Rachel Ober, and Max Ober (Claire Nichting). In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Heckathorn. She will be deeply missed by her family and many dear friends.

Services will be private.

Donations in her loving memory may be made to The Ohio State University Foundation, Artistic Swimming Program Support Fund, Fund number: 312885, link: https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/312885.