Nancy J. (Rhodes) Boardman

Surrounded by her loving family, Nancy J. (Rhodes) Boardman, 89, Lower Paxton Township, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, January 29, 2023 at her home.

Born February 11, 1933 in Bloomsburg, she was the daughter of the late J. Victor and Elsie (George) Rhodes, and was a graduate of Ralpho Township High School.  In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her siblings:  Eugene Rhodes, Paul Rhodes, Dorothy Kunkel and Josephine Sheptock.

Growing up near Catawissa, Knoebels Grove was one of her favorite destinations.  It was there she got to know her future husband, Richard M. Boardman, to whom she was married on June 23, 1956, ultimately building a life together in Harrisburg.

After high school, she worked at apparel factories in Catawissa and Kansas City, MO, before staying home to raise her family.  Having had a desire to become a nurse, Nancy did volunteer work at Community General Hospital, transporting patients.  She was a great cook and canner (of vegetables from her own garden.)  Her chocolate cake with peanut butter icing was always one of her most requested dishes at gatherings.  She enjoyed traveling, especially to Myrtle Beach, reading her Bible, listening to hymns and spending time with her family.

Since the late 50’s, Nancy was a member of what is now CrossPoint United Methodist Church in Colonial Park.  There, she was a Stephens Minister; did hospital visitation; was on the pastor’s prayer partner team; taught and was a member of Sunday School classes; was a member of the Meet Loaf Club; participated in the Thursday Morning Sharing Group; sang in the choir; and was always ready to help in the kitchen.  Her gentle and loving presence at church will be dearly missed by her CrossPoint family.

Nancy had a heart for service.  Always stepping up to provide meals to those in need; sending cards; calling friends; visiting; and keeping an active prayer list, she wanted to let others know they were never forgotten and always loved.

Mostly, she was a loving wife and mother who dedicated her time to caring for her family.  She attended every activity and sporting event in which her family was involved.

Surviving is her beloved husband: Richard M. Boardman; and her children: Brenda S. Schambach (and her husband, Rev. Dr. James Schambach, Jr.) and Timothy R. Boardman (and his wife, Michelle), Charlotte, NC.  Additionally, she will be dearly missed as the best Nana by her 4 grandchildren:  Jessica Spicher (and her husband, Pete), Rev. James Schambach, III (and his wife, Tristin), Holly Edington, MD (and her husband Scott Edington, MD) and Nicholas Boardman (and his wife, Haylee); and 8 great granddaughters:  Elizabeth Spicher, Adaline Boardman, Kylie Edington, Aviana Schambach, Emersyn Boardman, Sophia Spicher, Rosemarie Boardman and Ellie Edington.  Her 9th great granddaughter is due in March.

A Celebration of her life will be held at her church, 430 Colonial Road, Harrisburg at 11:30 am Saturday, February 11, 2023 on what would have been her 90th birthday.  Family and friends will be received at the church from 10:00 am to 11:15 am.  Her pastor, Rev. David D. Biser, her son in law, Rev. Dr. James Schambach, Jr. and her grandson, Rev. James Schambach III will be officiating. Services will be live-streamed at:

https://boxcast.tv/view/memorial-service-for-nancy-j-boardman-ct9qa3qpegzwscphz31m

In lieu of flowers, Nancy’s family requests that contributions in her memory be made to CrossPoint Church, 430 Colonial Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109 or to M28 Ministry, P.O. Box 3027, Camp Hill 17011 (m28.us)

Kimmel Funeral Home, Harrisburg, is handling the arrangements.