Nan Elaine Grandstaff, 83, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026, surrounded by love after a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, and countless wonderful memories. Nan was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, Mimi, aunt, cousin, and friend. She devoted much of her life to the people she loved most, always putting family and friends at the center of her world and finding happiness in simply being together.

Born May 2, 1943, in Zanesville, Ohio, to James and Adra (Hill) Watson, Nan grew up as the only girl with two older brothers, Danny and Bill. Perhaps growing up with two brothers had something to do with the spirited, feisty personality that would remain one of her defining characteristics throughout her life. Nan graduated from Philo High School in 1961 and later attended secretarial school in Columbus. She went on to work as a secretary in the Education Department at Arps Hall at The Ohio State University. It was also in Columbus that Nan met Jerry Grandstaff at a party at Ohio State, beginning a love story that would span more than 60 years. Together, Nan and Jerry built a life in Columbus, raised their two daughters, Julie and Jill, and created a home filled with family, friends, activities, laughter, and, of course, their beloved dog, Sam. Nan embraced being involved in her daughters' lives. She was an active PTA mom, room parent, and the kind of mother who showed up. She loved her daughters fiercely, celebrated their accomplishments, worried about them no matter how old they became, and remained an important part of their lives as they grew up and created families of their own. She gave them traditions, memories, laughter, a love of family, and more than a little of her feisty spirit.

Nan also built a wonderful circle of friendships throughout her life. She was part of the Book Chats at Northern Lights Library, Ladies Bridge, Couples Bridge, and The Stitch Witches which later became the Tuesday Lunch Group. She and Jerry even became so close with members of the staff at their favorite restaurant, Champps, that they were invited to some of their servers' weddings. To Nan, people she cared about had a way of becoming part of her extended family.

Becoming a grandmother brought Nan a special kind of happiness. To her grandchildren, she was Mimi, and she was one of their biggest cheerleaders. She loved watching them grow, celebrating their accomplishments, hearing about their lives, and creating memories they will carry with them forever. They will remember family beach vacations, lunches together at Max & Erma's, her unmistakable feisty personality, her laughter, and simply having Mimi there.

Nan had a way of making people feel welcomed and cared about. She will be remembered for her kind heart, generosity, sense of humor and spunkiness. She had a love of movies of most any genre. Nan was a voracious reader and loved books. There is a bookshelf in almost every room in their home. She loved sharing those interests with the people around her, passing along a love of stories that continues in her family. Nan had an eye for style, she took pride in taking care of her flowers in the backyard, always making them look the best. She was always dressed to the nines and presented herself very well. She also cared very deeply about keeping her home warm and cozy and inviting for all those who visited. Christmas was a big part of her life from collecting ornaments on her vacations for family, finding the perfect Hallmark Ornament for each grandchild, watching Christmas in July Hallmark movies, and her Christmas Eve gatherings. She even hosted holiday parties for many years for Jerry’s work family. Nan also enjoyed traveling and was fortunate to visit many places throughout her life. One trip was particularly special: she finally made it to Britain, a place she had always dreamed of visiting.

She is survived by her loving husband of more than 60 years, Jerry; her daughters, Julie (Stephen) and Jill (Bao); her grandchildren, Kirsten, Austin (Audrey), Brock, Braxton, and Brooke; her brother, Bill (Jackie); her nieces Jeanne, LeeAnne, and Jamie and their families; her cousins Ellen (she and Nan were born 10 days apart and were like sisters) and her family; and Bobby and his family; along with all the Hutchesons and Hazens; and the many members of the Grandstaff clan who were part of her life. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Adra Watson; her beloved big brother, Danny (Sandra); her nephew, John; and the family's much-loved dog, Sam. Though our hearts are broken by Nan's passing, we are deeply grateful for the 83 years of life she lived, and for the memories, laughter, stories, traditions, and love she gave us along the way. Her place in our family cannot be filled, but neither can it be erased. She remains woven into the lives of her husband, daughters, grandchildren, family, and friends, and into all the stories we will continue to tell about her for years to come. Although they are Jerry’s caregivers, Elizabeth and Autumn hold a special place in Nan’s heart becoming more than friends to her. We want to thank all of them (including Deborah who came to visit her at the hospital) for the love, care and compassion they gave Nan.