Nancy Jo Wetherington Shetler met face to face with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at 4:50 pm on Saturday, July 12, 2025 with her loving family surrounding her. Nancy was the daughter of Joe and Bobbie Wetherington of Metropolis, Illinois. She was born in Paducah, Kentucky on February 25, 1956. When Nancy was 6 months old, her parents moved to Houston, Texas. The family lived and grew in Houston for twelve years. While living in Texas, Nancy’s brother, Keith Wetherington, was born and twelve years later the family was thrilled when a baby sister, Beth, was born. Nancy was baptized in Houston, Texas at the age of twelve by Glen McDoniel, West University Church of Christ, her home church minister at the Houston Coliseum. Nancy was overwhelmed with joy as she rose up from the water. She knew this was the most important decision of her life and rejoiced in her decision.
The family moved back to Metropolis, Illinois in 1969 and Nancy was proud to live in her little hometown of Metropolis. While attending Metropolis Community High School, Nancy met Mark Shetler in 1971 and little did she know he would become the love of her life. Their deep love for one another and their commitment to God was the basis of their long happy marriage. The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on February 14, 2025. Over a span of 50 years the couple was blessed with two children. Their son, David Mark Shetler, was born in Peoria, Illinois in 1979 and their daughter, Ashley Elizabeth Shetler, was also born in Peoria, Illinois in 1983. Mrs. Shetler was a wife and homemaker and loved every minute of her chosen profession. She enjoyed her home and being a homemaker. She loved the holidays and decorated, cooked, and baked for each occasion with her husband Mark and daughter Ashley.
Nancy had a love of music and was blessed by God with the voice of an angel. She especially loved singing as a participant in congregational worship and over the years sang at numerous weddings and other special events.
While attending high school and church, Nancy met her dearest and lifelong friend, Rochelle Whitnel Croach. They remained close friends and shared their faith, life’s stories, hurts, disappointments, and joys. Rochelle was a friend that comes along once in a lifetime. As her baby sister, Beth, grew up she and Nancy shared a bond beyond sisterhood. The mother/daughter relationship transitioned into a deep love and respect for each other and their lives were intertwined with their faith, love, and mutual admiration. Nancy’s daughter, Ashley, grew into a precious young lady and their relationship became a wonderful gift. They shared the bond of mother and daughter, but also a friendship that was a surprise and a blessing.
Nancy had a great love for her little pets or “mama’s babies”. They included black and tan dachshunds, Holly Elizabeth and Addie Rose. These babies brought joy, laughter, and comfort to her life. The family often told anyone that asked that Addie Rose has shared custody with her sister, Ashley.
Nancy is survived by her husband and children, one brother Keith Wetherington (Tonya), one sister Beth Crowe (Clark), her sister in law Jane Forristall (Harry), her nieces and nephews Kristen Brugger (Jeff), Allison Dublin (Jordyn), Brandon Crowe (Kait), Blake Wetherington, Austin Wetherington, Amy Smith (Gary), and Adam Forristall (Amy). Nancy “Nee Nee” is also survived by three special and adored great nieces, those being Felicity and Merryn Crowe and Olivia Dublin.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Bobbie Wetherington, her grandparents, Josie and Marvin Holley, her grandmother, Ethel Ditterline, her mother and father-in-law, Bob and Imogene Shetler, and one sister in law, Vickie Payne Wetherington.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
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