+ Nancy Stannard +

December 19, 1940 — February 14, 2025

Committal Meditation for Nancy Stannard

Texts: 2 Corinthians 4:6–12; John 14:1–6

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today we gather to lay to rest the earthly remains of Nancy Stannard, who entered her eternal rest on February 14, 2025. Though her funeral was held in Colorado Springs, it is here, among family and friends in Williston, that we entrust her body to the earth in the hope of the resurrection.

The apostle Paul writes: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” (2 Corinthians 4:6–7).

Nancy’s life bore witness to this truth. Like every human being, she lived within the fragility of an earthen vessel—a life marked by both joys and sorrows, ups and downs. And yet, through her words, her warmth, and her faith, the light of Christ shone clearly. What others saw in Nancy was not her own strength, but the treasure of Christ within her: the love, compassion, and faithfulness of her Savior reflected in her life.

Jesus Himself promised: “Do not let your hearts be troubled… In My Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:1–2). That promise is now fulfilled for Nancy. Her jar of clay is laid down, but her treasure is secure: she dwells with her Lord in the Father’s house.

So we rest in this confidence—that the same Lord who called Nancy by name in Baptism, who sustained her in life, and who now holds her in death, will one day raise her in glory. On that day, all God’s children will shine with the light of Christ, never to be dimmed again.

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.