The search for Nancy Guthrie continues — and her Tucson neighborhood is finding quiet, heartfelt ways to show support.
More than two weeks after the 84-year-old disappeared from her home, neighbors have begun tying yellow ribbons around trees, cactuses and mailboxes along nearby streets.
The gesture is meant to signal hope and solidarity for the family of Savannah Guthrie, who has been waiting for answers as the search continues.
One neighbor, Laura Gargano, told PEOPLE that the ribbon idea came from another local resident who wanted to create a visible show of support without overwhelming the family.
“Some of us put flowers at the front of Nancy’s house, while others who may not have wanted to go down to Nancy’s house, put ribbons on their mailboxes,” Gargano said.
“The yellow ribbon is a sentiment of hope and support after someone goes missing,” she added. “I believe the use of the yellow ribbons goes back to hostage-taking in the 1970s.”
According to the National Museum of American Diplomacy, the tradition became widely known in 1979 when Americans tied yellow ribbons during the Iran hostage crisis — a symbol that families were waiting and hoping.
Now, that same symbol lines Nancy’s street.
A Neighborhood Showing Love
Among the growing tribute near Nancy’s home is a ribbon with a handwritten Bible verse from Isaiah 43:2: “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.”
For neighbors, the display isn’t just about tradition — it’s about reminding the family they’re not alone.
Another resident, Nicolette Daily, said Nancy’s disappearance has shaken the sense of safety in their quiet neighborhood.
“My husband’s going out of town next week. I’ve asked my mom to come stay because I’m scared to be alone,” Daily said. “This is all very very horrible, and there’s no neighborhood that’s safe… You don’t think that someone is going to come to your house in the middle of the night and take you. That is horrific.”
She added that her heart aches for Nancy’s children as they continue to search.
“It’s a horrific thing for her children to have to imagine what their mother experienced and to not even know where she’s at right now. I would not wish that on my worst enemy. This is terrible.”
Hope in Small Gestures
For Savannah’s family, the ribbons are more than decorations — they’re reminders that people care.
Neighbors say they plan to keep the display up as long as the search continues, hoping the bright yellow bows will be a symbol of strength during an unimaginable time.
In moments like this, the community’s message is simple: they are waiting, they are hoping, and they are standing together until Nancy is found.
