Nancy C. Klinger

Nancy C. (White) Klinger of West Lafayette, IN died peacefully on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026.

She was born on August 9, 1938, in Indianapolis, IN to the late Fred W. and Clara L. White.  She graduated from Southport High School, Indianapolis, IN in 1956.  She received a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Indianapolis (then Indiana Central College) in 1961 and a Master of Science in Education degree from Purdue University in 1968.

In 1960, Nancy married Phil Klinger who became her lifelong companion and loving husband.

Nancy was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in West Lafayette, IN, where her husband served as the founding pastor.  She also had been a member of her husband’s former churches throughout Indiana.  Her spiritual development was profoundly influenced by pastors and friends of Edgewood United Methodist Church, her beloved ‘home’ church in Indianapolis. Nancy was also a member of several professional educational organizations and of PEO, Chapter CH, a women’s philanthropic organization.

Having majored in education with a minor in music, Nancy’s professional journey included teaching in elementary schools in Perry Township (Indianapolis), Skokie, IL, Glenview, IL, South Bend, IN and Tippecanoe County, IN.  She retired from Klondike Elementary School in West Lafayette, IN, in 1999.

Nancy viewed her profession as ‘a calling’.  Her teaching and personal interactions touched the lives of hundreds of her students and colleagues.  She cherished them as they did her.  She was honored and proud to have the opportunity to teach and nurture her students during her many years of teaching.  After she retired from full-time classroom teaching, she continued to teach as a substitute at Klondike Elementary School in West Lafayette, IN for another 10 years.

Nancy equally cherished her hearth and home, nurturing her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She leaves a legacy of humanity that will carry her memory on for many generations to come.

Traveling, reading, and music were among Nancy’s special interests.  Phil and Nancy and their families did extensive domestic and foreign traveling.  Nancy began singing in choirs, singing solos, and playing piano and organ at an early age in churches and schools.  She developed and refined her musical talents throughout high school and college and in her husband’s various churches.

Nancy was passionate about her hometown of Indianapolis, IN and treasured many precious memories of her early years there.  Her life was enriched by many friends and family members.

Nancy was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and trusted friend.  She is survived by her beloved husband Phil, having celebrated 66 years of marriage.  She also treasured her sons, Geoffrey and Kevin and her grandchildren Celeste (Mike), Sage, Wesley, Ethan, Lily, Hollis, Davis, and her great grandchildren Beckham and Addison. Also surviving is her stepbrother, Bob White.  She was predeceased by her son, Geoffrey, her brothers in law, Robert and Donald, her sisters in law, Joy and Mimi, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Nancy was a woman of faith, and her family and friends will honor and hold a loving tribute to her in a celebration of her extraordinary life.  Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in West Lafayette, IN.  Burial will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens in West Lafayette, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the Klinger family suggests contributions to Coder’s Closet for children in need at Klondike Elementary School in West Lafayette, IN, or to the building funds of St. Andrew United Methodist Church or First United Methodist Church in West Lafayette, IN.  You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com.