Nancy Jo Reib Witherup

Nancy Jo Reib Witherup, 75, of Franklin, died March 14th, 2019 at Oakwood Heights in Oil City, Pa, after a lingering illness.

Nancy graduated from Franklin High School, in the class of 1961 and received her nursing degree from the Hamot Hospital School of Nursing in Erie, Pa. She worked as a nurse in Telemetry at the Franklin, Pa hospital and later, served as director of the Venango County Red Cross. Nancy was married to Vincent Witherup on June 12th, 1965. The couple later divorced. After retiring from nursing, Nancy pursued her passion for the culinary arts, graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. She received honors as a pastry chef and went on to work as a professional chef in Florida. After returning to Franklin, Nancy studied energy healing at the Full Spectrum Center for Spiritual Awakening in Meadville, Pa, traveling to Turkey as part of her journey. Nancy's adventures also included a summer spent solo hiking the Appalachian Trail, one of her proudest accomplishments.

Nancy's special talent for transforming spaces was reflected in her unique home on the Allegheny River, replete with tranquil and serene details like her Japanese Zen garden, espaliered apple trees, Wisteria laden courtyard, and outdoor kitchen where she loved to entertain her family and friends. She enjoyed everything cooking, everything historical, and everything family.

Nancy was preceded in death by one of her best friends, Mary Anne Moehrbach, as well as her parents John C. Reib and Doris Montgomery. Nancy is survived by her sister, Sally Reib Kilmer and husband Ed Bergin of Franklin, her son, Shawn Witherup, and daughter-in-law Leah Wilson, of Rockland Twp, Pa, her daughter Kelly Jo Dolecki of Chino Valley, Az, grandchildren Lindsey Long, Marissa Witherup, Paul Long Jr, and Lexie Witherup, and one great-grandson, Karson Bowler.

At Nancy's request, no memorial service will be held.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff - Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., 312 West Park St. Franklin.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com.