Nancy Ella Alderman Dalton, 85 of Hillsville, Virginia, passed peacefully in her sleep at the home of her daughter and son-in-law on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.  She was born on March 30, 1940 to the late Clerin and Virginia Martin Alderman in the Gladesboro Community of Carroll County, Virginia.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Charles Edward Dalton.  She is survived by her four children, Felecia Dalton, Wesley Dalton, Tom Dalton, and Chandra (Mark) Harmon, all of Hillsville VA; two grandchildren, Courtney (Caleb) Spurlin, of Jonesville, NC, and Caleb Harmon, of Pulaski, VA; and twin great grandsons, Brooks and Callum Spurlin, of Jonesville, NC.

Nancy married Eddie in 1958, and settled in the Sylvatus Community of Carroll County, Virginia, where they raised their four children on the family cattle farm. Nancy's love of serving people led to her going to nursing school in Roanoke, Virginia and working for Dr. Porter in Hillsville. She eventually decided to be a stay at home mom to her four children, where she spent her time tending her large garden and orchards, caring for stray and orphaned animals, canning food for her family, crocheting, knitting, cooking wonderful meals, and making clothes and quilts for her family.  Nancy had a lovely singing voice and was often heard singing around the home while she worked.  In her 30s, while pregnant with her fourth child, she decided to learn how to play the piano.  When her youngest was in elementary school, Nancy became a substitute teacher.  Her love of teaching and sharing knowledge with children led her to go back to school where she earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education in her 40s. Nancy was a lifelong learner and enjoyed reading, researching areas of interest, coloring, and building Harry Potter Legos the last couple of years of her life.  She loved her children fiercely, and was often heard saying "home is where my children are".

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2 pm at Coulson Church with Elder Tim McGrady and Dr. Wayburn Mosely officiating.  Internment will be at Osbourne Cemetery in Hillsville, Virginia.  The family will receive friends at Coulson Church from 1 pm until time of service.

The family would like to thank the staff of Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, Lewis Gale Hospital Pulaski, Lead Mines Rescue, Pipers Gap Rescue, and Mountain Valley Hospice for supporting her during her final months.