Victoria Hardy

Victoria Lynn Hardy passed away March 7 at the age of 70 with her loving family by her side. She faced her long battle with dementia with grace and dignity and was always sweet and kind to those around her. She grew up in Ames, Iowa, and though she moved to Ohio as a teenager, she was always an Iowa girl at heart.

She graduated from Akron University with a BA in Nursing and spent the next 32 years as a neonatal nurse at Akron Children's Hospital. She flew in helicopters with the National Guard to pick up premature babies in remote parts of Ohio, as the program was in its early stages. She never made a big deal about what she did, but really, it was pretty special.

Vicki loved to entertain and cook fabulous meals, hosting wonderful holiday dinners, but was reluctant to be involved in the cleanup afterward. She had a great sense of style and color and knew how to make things look just right. She was most at peace when she was out in nature, especially near the ocean walking along the beach.

Preceded in death by her father Marion Ruebel (Rube), who she loved so much. She is survived by her mother Neoma Ruebel, husband Thomas, daughter Leigh (Daniel) Manton, sisters Joni (John) Barnard, Sherri (Brian) Nank, brother Thomas (Lana) Ruebel, and sister-in-law Suzanne Hardy. She is also survived by nephews Jess Korte, Benjamin (Emily) Nank, Nicholas Ruebel, nieces Mackenzie Nank, Spencer Ruebel, and grandchildren Ellis and Brook Manton.

Many thanks to family and caregivers who helped Vicki over the last couple years. A special appreciation for Arden Courts of Bath for taking such good care of Vicki over the last year.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.