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January 4, 1924 - January 15, 2021
Graveside services for Elda J. Nightingale, 97, of Montezuma, Kansas, formerly of Fairview, Oklahoma, will be 2 pm, Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at the Cedar Cemetery, southeast of Fairview. Arrangements by Fairview Funeral Home Inc.
Elda J. Nightingale, daughter of Joe and Sarah Schmidt Nightingale was born on January 4, 1924 at home, Homestead, Oklahoma. She was the second of eight siblings. She went home to be with the Lord on January 15, 2021 in Bethel Home, at Montezuma, Kansas. She was 97 years old.
Aunt Elda grew to womanhood on the family farm, near Homestead, Oklahoma. She received her education at the Independence School. When she finished the sixth grade, Grandpa and Grandma felt it was needful for her to stay home and help with the many demands of a large growing family. At that young age it was evident that Aunt Elda had the ability to work, and to work hard. She had a strong work ethic, a tribute that followed her throughout life. We, as her nieces and nephews, can easily visualize her walking across the yard with strength and determination to milk the cows, feed the calves, work in Grandma’s large garden, and when we step into the wash house, that is still standing today on the home place, we can imagine her vigorously scrubbing the red dirt from the family’s overalls, shirts and dresses.
Aunt Elda felt the call of God to repent of her sins. She was born again, and upon the confession of her faith was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite at the Fairview Congregation, Fairview, Oklahoma on April 11, 1939, by Min. Frank Haynes. She had a strong desire to be saved, and Bible reading was important to her. At times she was fraught with fears and struggles. This went on for some time until she could put it all those fears in the Lord’s hands. We would from time to time hear her say, “I want the Lord to be satisfied with me.” We believe she is now resting under the altar of God.
Aunt Elda lived a simple life, filled with hard work and good deeds. She cared for the elderly, staying with them, cleaning their houses and cooking for them. We would hear of their appreciation for her dedication to them, leaving their houses clean and in order and doing what she was told to do. She lovingly cared for her elderly parents for many years. She cared for her mother until she reached the age of 96 years. It was always a highlight in Aunt Elda’s life when her sisters, Mildred and Louise, with their families visited from Ontario, Canada.
She also expressed to us, her nieces and nephews, her love in her own simple and unique way, which endeared her to our hearts. We all remember that grin and that twinkle in her eye when we stopped by to visit Grandpa’s. A vivid picture in our minds is her bustling around in the kitchen, making one of her many delicious meals. The white bowls filled with mashed potatoes, graham cracker fluff, fried chicken, homemade sauerkraut and more, still tickles our taste buds today. One thing that we all remember is her love for growing plants and flowers which resulted in a large garden in the back yard, beautiful bushes and flowers. Jars of home canned food lined the shelves in the garage. Some of us enjoyed gazing at the white tiered plant stand by the large living room window filled with everblooming, colorful African violets.
The time came that it was evident that she needed to enter a care home. This was hard for her, as she had always been strong and able. She resided in the Fairview Fellowship Home, Fairview, Oklahoma a few years, before moving to Bethel Home, Montezuma, KS in 2012. She really enjoyed the wonderful care and all the interesting activities available at Bethel Home. It was always a joy to go visit her there. Her plants grew by the sunny window in her room and her Bible was open on her little table. A recent testimony of one of the nurses at the home was that she read her Bible every day and that it was evident that it was precious to her.
Those left to cherish her memory are one brother, Vernon Nightingale, Fairview, Oklahoma, two sisters, Mildred Penner of St. Mary’s, Ontario, Canada, and Louise Penner of Versailles, Missouri. One sister -in -law, Delores Nightingale, Isabella, Oklahoma and many nieces and nephews. Brother -in -law, John Penner of Mayfield, KY.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, Harry, Alvin and wife Vera, Earl, Franklin and wife Juanita. Sister- in- law, Sophie Nightingale. Brother- in- law, Gordon Penner.
Condolences may be made online at www.fairviewfuneralhomeinc.com.
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