Nancy Straus, retired teacher
Nancy E. Straus, 73, of Bethany Beach passed away surrounded by her loving family Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020, at her home.
She was born Sept. 15, 1946, in Milford, daughter of the late James Everett Rickards and the late Catherine Reed Davis Rickards. Nancy was a 1964 graduate of John M. Clayton School in Dagsboro, and received her bachelor’s degree from Delaware State University and her master’s degree from Wilmington College.
Nancy began her teaching career in the Woodbridge School District before working in the Indian River School District at Sussex Central Middle School and retiring in 2002 from the Phillip C. Showell Elementary School in Selbyville.
Nancy loved to cook big Sunday dinners for her family, as well as traveling and taking photographs. She will be remembered for her vibrant and feisty personality along with her love of cats. Her true passion was for her family, especially her grandsons.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Girard Straus in 2010, and her daughter, Bethany Grayce Smith. She is survived by her son, Jeremy W. Smith and his wife Megan of Ocean View; two grandsons, William and Alexander Smith; two brothers, James Rickards and his wife Joanne of Wetumpka, Ala., and Mark Rickards of Ocean City, Md.; a sister-in-law, Kathy Rickards of Richmond, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Nancy’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, at Frankford Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Frankford.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Nancy’s name to the Delaware SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947; or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
