22-03-2025
Nadine Mantle, local homeless advocate of 30+ years, dies at 88
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — The community came together Friday to honor a woman who dedicated her life to helping the homeless.
Two weeks ago, Dayton lost an advocate for the homeless that gave over 30 years in service to those in need. Nadine Mantle helped countless people through the Dayton area, touching the lives of thousands.
Mantle died on March 6 at the age of 88. On Friday evening, friends and family gathered to remember Mantle and the impact she had on those around her.
'It was her goal to make a difference in everyone she met,' said Janice Mantle, Nadine's daughter. 'She was one of a kind and certainly made a difference in the city of Dayton.'
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Nadine Mantle moved to the Dayton area in the 1950s. Her family and friends say after a bout of hardship that lasted nearly 10 years, Mantle had healing through prayer and promised to give her life to those that needed her help the most.
In 1987, Mantle founded Hearts for the Homeless.
'She didn't do it for money, in fact, she had little money. She was doing it for a mandate to serve the least of the least,' said Pastor Billy Bob Herman.
Those that knew Mantle say her impact is immeasurable.
'Everything that she did for the community was amazing,' said Kim Hardwick, who volunteered with Mantle.
'She might as well of had wheels on her feet because she never stopped and that was it,' said Martha O'Connor, friend and fellow volunteer. 'You could call her anytime and she was there. She was there.'
Throughout her life, Mantle served tens of thousands every weekend from anywhere she could, like the sidewalk in front of the YMCA to the Democratic Party headquarters on Third Street.
'I knew my mom was involved in this. She would be out at all hours of the night resolving problems for homeless people,' said Jerry Mantle, Nadine's son. 'I realized that this was such a needed thing.'
Mantle was recognized by the city and at the national level, and was even nominated for a spot on the Dayton Walk of Fame.
Mantle retired in 2012 at the age of 75 due to health issues. Over 33 years, she served more than 200,000 people.
'I know that she's with my dad now, and we're glad to see she'd finished her job here,' said Jerry Mantle.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday at 10:45 a.m. at Tobias Funeral Home in Beavercreek, followed by a burial at Calvary Cemetery.
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