Nancy A. Racer

Nancy Ann (Syester) Racer, 91, of Avon, Indiana, passed away peacefully at Journey’s End Hospice House, Indianapolis, Indiana on February 19, 2026. She was born in Brazil, Indiana on November 29, 1934 to the late Morris and Lucille (Rankin) Syester. She graduated from Speedway High School in 1952 where she met the love of her life, Edward “Eddie” Racer. They were high school sweethearts and were married on May 1, 1954 for 66 years  f until Eddie’s passing in 2020.

She worked many years in secretarial or office managerial positions for Kinney Shoes, World Book Encyclopedia, and several other businesses, finally retiring from Schwan Foods.

Nancy was a seamstress making clothing for her children and herself. She also loved to cook and try new recipes. Nancy loved to play Euchre and was in a ladies group that played together monthly for over 50 years. She and Eddie enjoyed camping in their RV with family and friends at many Indiana state parks and also traveled to Florida and places in between. She was an avid reader paying many visits to the Avon library to check out the latest romance novel. She enjoyed watching reruns of Judge Judy. She loved animals and there was always a dog or cat in her lap as she read or watched TV. Nancy loved her family and enjoyed family get-togethers and holidays. She lived independently in her own home until shortly after her 91st birthday, even still driving just prior to her birthday, goals most people never achieve. She will be deeply missed by her family and those who knew and loved her.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie, her son, Dennis Racer, and her parents Morris and Lucille Syester. She is survived by her daughters, Cindy (Gary) Thompson of Greenfield, Debbie (Stover) Smith of Granbury, Texas, granddaughter, Allison (Courtney) Bailey of Lubbock, TX, and grandsons, Jason (Amy) Thompson of Xenia, Ohio, Matthew (Jamie) Thompson of Indianapolis, Chris (Angie) Thompson of Brownsburg, and Adam Smith of Granbury, TX as well as nine great-grandchildren, other extended family members, special friends and her cat, Nibby.

Family and friends will gather at Hampton Gentry Funeral Home (106 Shaw Street Plainfield, Indiana) on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, with the memorial service beginning at 12:00 pm. Nancy will be laid to rest following the memorial service at Floral Park Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.