Nancy I. Kness, 73, of Hazel Hurst, PA, passed away Friday (March 10, 2023) surrounded by her loving family.

She was born May 27, 1949 in Kane, the daughter of Joseph E. Suain, Jr. and Hazel I. Taylor-Irons.  On April 22, 1967, in Bradford, she married Larry E. “Nutsy” Kness, who survives.

Nancy was a graduate of Smethport High School and had worked several part time jobs over the years while being a homemaker. She worked for the US Postal Service and Census Bureau while taking care of her family. Later, she began working for Helpmates and Evergreen Elm of Bradford because she enjoyed helping people. As a longtime member of the Hamlin Twp. Volunteer Fire Dept. Nancy often served as a flagger and helped with Bingo.

Nancy truly lived her life to the fullest through simple pleasures and was gifted at storytelling. A friend to so many, she enjoyed chatting and spending time with her friends and family, sitting on her front porch enjoying a good thunderstorm, or reading a book. In fact, as a child, she read every book in her home. Her love of cooking brought many canned goods and preserves. There was always something freshly baked, whether it be homemade bread or cookies being pulled out of the oven. Making crafts with her grandchildren and sewing also brought her joy, as would a “good deal”. For a number of years, Nancy was a member of the “Goodwill Frequent Flyer Club” and a Tupperware Salesperson.

Nancy was so many precious things to her friends and family. Her family describes her as “our” rock and they will miss her dearly.

In addition to her husband, Larry, she is survived by three daughters: Renae I. (Dick) Johnston of TN, Bobbi S. (Edward) Nystrom of Erie, and Misty L. (Cory) Kness of Mt. Jewett.

Six grandchildren:  Matthew (Cassie) Burt, Arthur Burt, Jonathan Kimble, Katelyn Kimble, Shelley Chapman and Amylia Jo Yasurek

Seven great grandchildren: Vata, Marcus, Rain, Harmony, Gideon, Lucian & Cameron and one great-great grandchild: Estella

One brother: Harold H. (Melissa E.) Suain of VA, and several nieces, nephews and step-siblings.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her niece Donna Suain-Giannattasio.

At Nancy’s request, there will be no visitation or services.

Family, friends and others whose lives Nancy touched are invited to donate to:

Fish n Kids Club, PO Box 97, Hazel Hurst PA 16733 or the Hamlin Twp. VFD Station 20, PO Box 104, Hazel Hurst PA 16733.  Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.