Nancy (George) Dolby — Longtime Clarion resident and community member, devoted mother and beloved grandmother, died July 6 after a brief illness. She was 96.

Born March 2, 1930, in New Bethlehem to Lillian and Zale George, it was her father's work for the Pennsylvania Railroad that sparked Nancy's love of travel — first on trips to Pittsburgh and later, well beyond.

She married the love of her life, Arnold Dolby, in 1952 and had three children, Leonard, Lori and Gwen. Together, they built a family home that would bring her joy for years to come.

Nancy was a graduate of Clarion State Teachers College and a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church. Over the years, people in town knew Nancy for her Merle Norman Cosmetics store, just off Main Street; she also worked in real estate and served on the local Chamber of Commerce. She played for several years in the women's league at the Clarion Oaks Golf Course.

Nancy had a smile for everyone she met, a story and a laugh to share. She was an avid Steelers fan with a fierce love of the game. An annual attendee at the Autumn Leaf Festival, she could often be spotted in her vintage convertible in the parade. She had an eye for style, fashion and sparkle.

Above all, Nancy adored her family and relished time with her children and grandchildren. She never missed a graduation, wedding or dance recital, no matter the distance. And she cherished her many wonderful, longtime friendships.

Nancy was proud of her uncanny sense of direction, which served her well even when she traveled far from home. She was a peerless basketball mom in her daughter Lori's college years and traveled to Switzerland with her daughter Gwen Eaker. She wintered with Gwen's family in San Antonio and took several trips with her son's family. She often visited St. Louis to be with her son Len, on whose wise counsel she always relied. Nancy never lost her love of adventure — whether roadtripping to New York City or flying to Miami or the West Coast.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband in 1977 and later by her two brothers, Zale Jr. and James.

She is survived by her son Len (wife Lori), her daughter Lori of Boston (partner Beth Healy) and daughter Gwen of Warren, Ohio. Nancy is also survived by her four grandchildren – Sean Dolby (wife Mary Pat), Kyleen Heiland (husband Corey Heiland), Cade Eaker (wife Sara), Liam Eaker and a great-granddaughter, Kallie Heiland, as well as her former son-in-law Jesse Eaker and several nieces and nephews.

Late in life, Nancy lived at Highland Oaks at Water Run, where she received kind care less than a mile from the home she loved. She also had the support of devoted longtime friends Mary Huefner and Annie Graybill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Clarion. Services there will be announced at a later date.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church: 600 Wood St. Clarion, PA 16214 with Rev. Jodie Smith officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home & Crematory in Clarion.