Nellie Katherine (Swartz) Engle, 81, of Zanesville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Genesis Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Nellie was born on February 9, 1945, in Zanesville, Ohio, a daughter of the late Walter John Swartz and Margaret Virginia (Fulkerson) Swartz.

She was employed by United Technologies in Zanesville until its closure and later worked for Hartstone Pottery and Lumi-Lite Candle Company. Nellie was a proud member of the Zanesville Eagles Lodge #302 and the Zanesville Moose Lodge.

Nellie had a vibrant personality and enjoyed playing pull-off tickets, shopping with daughters Nancy and Amy, and spending time with her sister, Charlee. She was an animal lover and adored her dogs throughout the years, especially Princess, Little Tyke, Bella, and Angel. She also enjoyed relaxing at home while watching ION, NCIS, and Blue Bloods on her iPad. Above all, she cherished every moment spent with her family.

She will be remembered as a wonderful woman with a generous heart who was always willing to help those she cared about. True to her straightforward nature, one of her favorite sayings was, "If I like you, I'll tell you. If I don't, I'll tell you that too."

She is survived by her children, Hiram Engle Jr., Nancy (Amy) Thomas, and Michael James (Jennifer) Engle; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; her brothers and sisters, Vernon (Karen) Swartz, Elmer (Donna) Swartz, Arthur (Pam) Swartz, MaryEmma Gantala (Bill), Lilly Paisley (Terry), Ann Higgins (Paul), Charles "Mike" Swartz (Jocelyn), Thelma "Charlee" Tabler (Keith) and Randy Swartz; special nephew, Rodney (Sarah) Larimer; and numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Nellie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hiram Engle, who passed away on September 25, 2017; her son, Timmy Engle; her daughters, Valerie Engle and Victoria Engle; her daughter-in-law Patricia Engle; her son-in-law, Dwaine Burtnett; her grandson, Edward “Eddie” Engle; a granddaughter, Jessica Engle Findlay; her siblings, John "Pete" Swartz, Betty Welsh, Paul Swartz, and Harriett Larimer; and close friend, Peggy Williams. 

Family and friends may call from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Farus Funeral Home in Duncan Falls. Funeral services will begin immediately following the visitation at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Marc Caton officiating. Cremation will follow the services.

To leave a message of comfort or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.farusfh.com.