Nancy J. Roffey

Nancy J. Roffey passed away on July 7, 2026, in Toledo, Ohio. She was born on December 18, 1942, to Martha (Middleton) and William H. Roffey in Indianapolis, Indiana. She is survived by her son, Gregory Ferguson, of Tellico Plains, Tennessee; grandson, William Ferguson, of Knoxville, Tennessee; and two sisters, Rita Green, of Kokomo, Indiana, and Carol Wilson, of Newman, Georgia. Nancy leaves numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews that she cherished.

She married William A. Ferguson in 1975, in Indianapolis and later moved to Fr. Wayne, Indiana, and then to Toledo, Ohio, where Bill held positions in the Editorial Department at The Blade. He passed on in 2003. Nancy, a graduate of both Indiana State University and Purdue University, worked first as an English teacher and then primarily in the communications field, holding positions in newspaper, non-profit organizations, corporate marketing, public relations, advertising, and grant writing.

A passionate advocate for justice and equality, Nancy engaged in numerous human rights issues, including peace, feminism, hunger and education. As a world traveler, she spent a year in Europe and later a year in Afghanistan, followed by three months in Asia, along with many other trips to Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. With Bill, Nancy took many other trips and camped all over the U.S. and Canada. Nancy was a long-time member of Alcoholics Anonymous. In later life, Nancy became a follower of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hahn, deriving great joy from his teachings, writings, and local community.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Buddhist Temple of Toledo, 3902 Emmajean Rd., Toledo OH 43607.

Family and friends may leave messages on www.toledocremation.com (Cremation Society of Toledo). Donations may be made to the Toledo Seagate Food Bank.