Nancy (Nan) Houck Rothfuss, the beloved wife of Henry (Hank) Rothfuss, M.D., died peacefully on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at Riverside Hospital due to COVID. Born in Olney, Illinois on July 28, 1943, to Frank W. And “Ned” Houck, she was raised in Downers Grove, Illinois, and graduated from Downers Grove North High School in 1961.  She graduated from North Central College, Naperville, Illinois, with a BA in 1965, majoring in English with a minor in Biology, and obtained a Teaching Certificate.  In 1970, she obtained an MFA in Technical Theater from the University of Illinois.  She earned 70+ credit hours at CNU in Newport News.

Nan had many talents.  She had a God-given talent to organize.

She loved teaching and she taught Water Safety Instructors (WSI), Small Boat Safety, and First Aid Classes for two years for the Chicago Chapter of the American Red Cross.  Nan taught English at Waldo Middle School in Aurora, Illinois. She especially cherished teaching 10th grade English and had many, many fond memories of her students and friends at Warwick High School in Newport News – have, has, had, should, would, could…

While visiting her girlfriend in Sacramento, California, she met Lt. Henry (Hank) Rothfuss, USAF. They married on September 25 1971 and moved to Newport News. For the next 51 years, Nan helped her husband attend EVMS to earn an M.D. degree.  She was his wonderful best friend, office manager, and lab manager.

Nan served as the Newport News Republican Party Secretary for 36 years.  She was the 1st Congressional Republican Party secretary for 34 years.  She loved her many friends in politics and Square and Round Dancing.

Nan is survived by her husband, brother John Houck of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and two nieces, Ann Houck, and Donna Wensell.

Per her wishes, there will be no services.

A special thank you is given to the kind, loving doctors, nurses (especially Emily), social workers (especially Erika Anderson), and support staff at Riverside Hospital.

Nan loved God and tried to live her faith.  NO MATTER WHAT, TRUST GOD.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.