Nancy L. Raby

RABY, Nancy L., age 90, of Kettering, Ohio, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Nancy was born on June 28, 1934, to the late Herbert and Barbara Behnken, in Dayton, OH.

She attended Kiser High School for two years and finished her education at Fairmont High School, Kettering Ohio.

As a young lady, Nancy enjoyed roller skating and one evening while at the local rink she met the love of her life, Joe Raby, who was home visiting from General Motors Institute, Flint, Michigan. She sent him a Valentine's Day card and that was the beginning of their courtship and later a 60-year marriage. They were married in 1951 and had 4 children. 

In 1966, Joe and Nancy founded AMCO Products, Inc., a screwdriver manufacturing company that provided employment for many in the Dayton area for over 45 years. Together she and Joe ran their company based on integrity, hard work, and most of all, Christian values. She was known for taking on every task necessary, whether it was operating screwdriver machines or meticulously keeping the books. Nancy was Joe’s loving partner in life and business until Joe’s passing in 2012.

Nancy was a longtime member of Washington Heights Baptist Church (WHBC). She raised her family in church, sharing her love for Christ with them and others. Her faith and love for her family was her essence.

She found joy in being selfless to family members, friends or even strangers in their time of need. She would find a way to ease their life struggles and challenges and bring a smile to their day. Her love language was giving and unlimited.

In her free time Nancy enjoyed floral design, antiquing, gardening and spending time with her family. On a humorous note, Nancy and Joe were caught by their children frequently “drag racing” each other with their cars.

Nancy and Joe enjoyed vacationing on Sanibel Island where they had a second home and weekend boating at their Indian Lake home where they joyfully hosted family and friends over the years.

They also traveled to most of the 50 states and Mom said the "best trip" was to Yellowstone National Park where they saw "Old Faithful" (Joe's lifelong dream fulfilled) and elk, buffalo, and a sleeping grizzly bear on the hillside.

Nancy lived her life as a Proverbs 31 woman, and her loyal and faithful spirit will be immensely missed by all who knew and loved her.

Preceded in death by her parents; brother Gary Behnken; son-in-law Michael Simmons; and her beloved husband of 60 years, Joe Raby.

Nancy is survived by her children Karla (Thomas) Gebbie, Ronald (Sharon) Raby, Barbara (Ralph) Gigliotti, Lori Raby Walker; grandchildren, Lindsey Simmons, Christiana (Garrett) Alstatt, Cassandra (Mike) Dekker, Thomas Gigliotti, and Luke Walker; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ron (Rita) Behnken and Herbie (Joyce) Behnken, sister-in law Doris Behnken and many nieces and nephews, extended family and friends. She loved and cherished them all. 

A special thank you to the staff at Trinity Community of Beavercreek who gave our mom wonderful care and cheered her on daily.

A visitation will be held from 1-3pm on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd. Kettering, OH 45429. A funeral service will be held at 10am the following day, Monday, February 10, 2025, also at Routsong Kettering. Dave Hornbeck of WHBC will officiate. A live stream will be available via Routsong’s YouTube channel. Burial to follow at David's Cemetery, Kettering, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Washington Heights Baptist Church Camp Fund, 5650 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45429