Nancy Jean Bentley Hanks

She was born in Westfield, N.Y., on April 27, 1930, the eldest daughter of Roy Richard Bentley and Francis Marie Sophie Knoll.

Nancy started school in a one room schoolhouse and graduated from Westfield Academy and Central School and then attended Fredonia State Teachers College.

In 1949, she married Charles Albert Hanks of Westfield. Charlie and Nancy worked with Roy and Francis to build the Westfield Nursery and Garden Shop. They bought the business from Nancy’s mother in 1981. For many years, Charles ran the ice skating rink in Westfield, and Nancy gave skating lessons to several generations of youth. When they retired in 1991, the Nursery was sold to Scott and Laurie Robbins.

Nancy was dedicated to her community. She taught Sunday school at the Westfield’s First United Methodist Church and served in many positions in the church. Nancy was on the board and then served as a director of the Westfield YWCA, served on the Union Relief, was on the board of directors for the Westfield Memorial Hospital, and a member of the hospital foundation, and was past president of the Chamber of Commerce.

She belonged to the DAR, Mayflower Society, Patterson Library Society, and Chautauqua County Historical Society.

Nancy was preceded by her parents, Roy and Francis; her brother-in-law Donald Gilmore; and her brother and sister-law Hayden and Emma Hanks.

She is survived by her son, Christopher Charles Hanks and his wife, Nancy Joan Potts Hanks; sister, Beverly Bentley Gilmore; nephews: Stephen and Dennis Hanks and Mark Gilmore; and nieces: Sherry Beacham, Jean Hanks and Sue Singleton and their families.

A celebration of life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, when Covid subsides and it is safe to gather. Donations to the First United Methodist Church or the Chautauqua County Historical Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St. Westfield, NY.

Please share condolences at www.masonfuneral.com.