Nancy Louise (Bynum) Schnebly

Nancy L. Schnebly, 68, lifetime Ellensburg resident, passed away with her family by her side at the Kittitas Valley Hospital on Monday, October 18, 2021.  Viewing for family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Johnston & Williams Funeral Home in Ellensburg.  A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Mercer Creek Church in Ellensburg with burial to follow at the IOOF Cemetery. Reception to follow at Kittitas County Armory 12pm-4pm.

Nancy was born on March 21, 1953 in Seattle and was adopted by Walter & Lucile (Scott) Bynum.  She was baptized September 12, 1954 at the First Lutheran church in Ellensburg and attended Sunday school there.  She later became a member of the First Presbyterian church in 1977 where she was involved in numerous bible study groups.  She had a very dedicated walk of faith.  She was raised in the Badger Pocket on Bynum Road and attended school in Ellensburg, graduating with honors from Ellensburg High School with the class of 1971.  In her youth she played piano, took dance lessons and enjoyed riding her horse Pixie. While in school, Nancy was a member of the Wranglerettes, Pep Club, Ski school, and drill team. She was also a member of the Rainbow Girls and served as the Worthy Advisor of Ellensburg #44 from January through May of 1971.  On June 18, 1971, Nancy received the Grand Cross of Color, the group’s highest honor, at the Grand Assembly in Spokane. The theme that year was “Rainbow Shines for You.”  She was also part of a group known as “The Nancys” - a group of girls all named Nancy who went to school together and have remained good friends through the years. 

Nancy and Craig Schnebly were high-school sweethearts and married on April 28, 1973.  They were blessed with three children - Philip, Miranda and Garrett.  She loved her children and grandchildren immensely.  Both grandchildren, Marissa and Ayden, held a very special place in their Gramma's heart. Nancy lived in Ellensburg where she was a first class homemaker and farm wife.  Whether it was canning countless quarts of fruits and vegetables, moving sprinklers or baling hay, there was nothing that she couldn’t do!  Once the children were older, Nancy went to work at Central Washington University where she worked for over 20 years, retiring as the assistant to the Chair of the Department of Language, Literacy and Special Education.

Nancy enjoyed being involved in her community and was currently serving as the President of the Board for the Clymer Museum.  Over the years she was also heavily involved with the Kittitas County Fair 4-H programs. She volunteered her time as a 4-H leader, superintendent, and judge. She was an immaculate hostess and whether it was a simple afternoon tea with friends to a more elaborate dinner party, she loved all the time spent socializing with her family and friends.

Nancy is survived by her children Philip (Courtney) Schnebly, Miranda (Dan) Nash and Garrett Schnebly, all of Ellensburg; her lifelong friend and sweetheart Craig Schnebly of Ellensburg; grandchildren Marissa and Ayden as well as siblings Joe Bynum and Jim Bynum.  She was preceded in death by her parents as well as infant brother, Stewart Bynum.

Nancy also reconnected with some members of her biological family and her Lakota heritage tying to the Cheyenne River and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota.

Memorial contributions in Nancy’s honor are suggested to the Clymer Museum, 416 N. Pearl in Ellensburg.

Johnston & Williams Funeral Home and Crematory of Ellensburg has been entrusted with caring for Nancy and her family.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com 

PLEASE NOTE: (January 11, 2024) -- The recording of this service has been archived and removed from our server.  If you wish to obtain a copy of this recording on a thumb drive, please contact our office.