Nancy V. Matia

Nancy Van Meter Matia, 76 of Naples, formerly of Ashland passed away early Monday morning, May 20, 2019 in her home with her family by her side. She was born on May 2, 1943 to the late Edward and Dorothy Arch in Elkhart, Indiana and was raised in Nappanee, Indiana.

Following her High School Graduation, she went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in teaching from Ashland College in 1965.

She married Thomas A. Van Meter on December 18, 1965, who preceded her in death on March 7, 1992. Following Tom’s passing, Nancy married longtime friend, United States District Judge Paul R. Matia, on January 2, 1993.

Nancy was an art teacher for several schools from 1967 - 1970 central O. Following her husband Tom’s service in Vietnam, they moved to Ashland to raise their family. Nancy was a devoted member of the Park Street Brethren Church, where she also taught Sunday School. She was a member of the Ashland Garden Study Club, served as a 4-H Leader, past president and treasurer of the Ashland County Republican Women’s Club, was a member of the Ashbrook Center Board of Directors, was elected to serve on the Republican State Central Committee, served as a volunteer on numerous Republican campaigns throughout the county and state, and served for more than 10 years as the Director of the Ashland County Board of Elections.

She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Judge Paul Matia of Naples, Florida; two daughters, Margaret (Robert) Rolf of Powell, Ohio; Stephanie Van Meter of Maineville, Ohio; five grandchildren, Thomas, Katherine, Madison, Abigail and Bennett; and sister Mary Beth (Richard) Peach. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, former State Senator Thomas A. Van Meter; a grandson, Thomas Edward Rowland; and her brother, David Arch.

Nancy was an avid Cleveland Indians fan and never missed watching or listening to a game. She loved to take river and ocean cruises and travel to distant places like Tonga, Fiji, Tahiti, and Rio de Janeiro. But more than anything in life, she loved her family and especially her grandchildren.  

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Denbow- Gasche Funeral Home with the Reverend Arden Gilmer officiating. Interment will follow in the Ashland Cemetery. Friends may call two hours prior to the time of the service from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

A time of fellowship following the committal service will be held in the legacy room of the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland County Foundation - Women’s Fund.

Online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com. Denbow - Gasche Funeral Home and Crematory is handling the arrangements.