Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home - Nada F. Thoden 1943 - 2014

In Loving Memory of

Nada F. Thoden

1943 - 2014

Services & Gatherings

Visitation:

Monday, August 11, 2014 from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Trinity Lutheran Church, 34868 Block Rd., Paola, KS

Service:

Monday, August 11, 2014 at 10:30 AM
Trinity Lutheran Church

Interment:

Block Cemetery (Trinity Lutheran)
Paola, Kansas

Nada Louise Fell Thoden, 71, died August 6, 2014, surrounded by family at her home in Paola, KS.

Nada was born in Pratt, KS on January 16, 1943 to George Louis Fell, Jr. and Naomi Mary Fell. She lived in Pratt and Byers, KS until age 3, when the family moved to Simla, Colorado. In 1956, the family moved to Greeley, Colorado, where Nada attended Meeke Junior High and graduated, in 1961, from Greeley High School. Nada was a proud graduate of Colorado State University, earning a degree in Home Economics Education in 1965.

It was in 1965, that Nada returned to her Kansas roots to start her career as Extension Home Economist for Miami County Extension service. Her first loves were teaching food preservation, sewing, and quilting and working with the many 4-Hers in Miami County. In 1985, Nada continued her career with Kansas State Research and Extension as Family and Consumer Science Specialist for Johnson County. As a master organizer, Nada, along with her colleagues, spearheaded the Master Foods Program in Kansas. She retired in 2004, but continued to be an avid supporter of K-State Research and Extension and was uplifted by the many professional friends she made throughout her career. She continued to teach, into retirement, as a spokesperson for the Kansas Wheat Commission and class leader and 2011 president for the Miami County Quilters Guild (MCQG).

Nada married Leslie Elwood Thoden on July 15, 1967 at First Lutheran Church, Paola KS. They raised three children and together, enjoyed gardening and its aftermath, spending time with friends and family, and supporting the communities they lived in. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Paola, KS and King of Kings Lutheran Church, Gardner, KS.

Quilting was Nada’s passion. She was a member of the MCQG and the “Wednesday Quilter’s”. She loved being a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, especially enjoying organizing events and working on missionary quilts with “her Tuesday girls”. Nada was also a member of Shamrock Study Club in Paola, KS and Epsilon Sigma Phi Honorary Extension Fraternity.

In addition to her family, Nada’s was proudest of her accomplishments as 1996 president of the Kansas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. She was awarded the 1990 NAEHE Distinguished Service Award and the 1998 National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Continued Excellence Award. She was recipient of the 2001 K-State Extension Outstanding Faculty Mentor and K-State Extension Team Awards.

Nada was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Gordon Fell, all of Greeley, Colorado. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Leslie Thoden of Paola; three children, Heidi Thoden (Wes DeRosier) of Tahlequah, OK, Brandi Thoden Winkler (Scott) of Paola, KS, Alvin Thoden of Overland Park, KS; her sister Carmen VanPelt (Dwaine) of Archer, NE and brother George Louis Fell III (Marcia) of Eaton, CO, and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorial contributions may be sent to King of Kings Lutheran Church, 306 East Madison, Gardner, KS, Trinity Lutheran Church, 34868 Block Road, Paola, KS, or an organization of the giver’s choice.

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Memories & Condolences

Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. May the God of all comfort help to heal your pain. (2 Cor.1:3,4) Take comfort in what is written about the near future at Rev.21:4 "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away."

~ Cheryl D. - August 15, 2014

Alvin-

I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear about your Mother. She was always kind and generous with her time.

I hope that you and your family are able to find peace and comfort in your memories. Please know that you are all close to my heart during this difficult time.

--Stephanie Bingman Kice

~ Stephanie Kice - August 13, 2014

I will always remember what a wonderful person and great leader Nada was. I became a EFMV in 2003 and grew to recognize her kindest, abilities, and energy. She was greatly misses when she retired from the MFV program. To her family, I wish to tell you that I will miss her too. Phyllis Brock

~ Phyllis Brock - August 12, 2014

Les and Nada were our neighbors in Spring Hill for many years. Nada taught me how to make purses and tips on sewing were much appreciated. I also belonged to the Paola Quilters Guild and enjoyed visiting with her. I wish we would have recieved word on Nada's passing and we hope you will somehow find solice knowing she has gone to Heaven.

~ Wes & Mary Gibson - August 11, 2014

I was a member of Nada's first Master Foods Volunteers class in 2002 and have loved every minute of that association since then. Nada was a wonderful leader and I have enjoyed her quilting activities as I am an avid quilter like her. I was sad to see her retire from the Extention duties but have enjoyed being in contact with her since that time. She is giving, knowledgeable and very thoughtful of others. She loved her husband and family so much. We both enjoyed sharing family stories with each other.
I will always hold wonderful memories of Nada in my heart forever and no one can replace her graciousness and kindness.
Fondly, Madelyn (Madge) Regan

~ Madelyn Regan - August 11, 2014

We were so saddened to hear of Nada's passing. She put up a long and brave battle with her health. You have our greatest condolences and sympathy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. With love.

~ Eldon & Peggy Kim - August 11, 2014

My sincere condolences to the entire Thoden Family. It was an honor to work with Nada at the Extension office for many years. She was a dedicated and generous agent. She was always happy to share her talents with others. I can still remember her smiling and laughing as she went about her day. She was a wonderful role model for me. She will surely be missed. I will remember your family in my prayers.

~ Pat Gower - August 10, 2014

My sincere sympathy on your loss. Treasure your memories.
One day you all will be together again.
Keeping you all in my prayers.

~ Nancy Carr - August 10, 2014

I have fond memories of 4-H activities overseen capably and with a positive attitude by Nada. She gave me and many life-long skills that I still am grateful for and enjoy today. A great example of a life well-lived. My sympathy to her family and friends. Cathy Colson Stallbaumer

~ Cathy Colson Stallbaumer - August 9, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone I hope you all find comfort in the good times you were able to share, and there was lots of them to many for me to list Nada was awesome! One of a kind, and you always learned something new when ever you were with her. Best Aunt any girl could have!

Robin Glisson

~ Robin Glisson - August 9, 2014

Heidi, Brandi, Alvin and Leslie, We were very sorry to hear of Nada's passing and we know that this is a very difficult for you.You have been a very close family and have enjoyed many great times together so all of you have fond memories of your mother, wife and friend. Knowing that Nada loved the Lord and that she is in a place free of pain and suffering will be comforting as well. Thinking of you and your families. Love Nauntie, Joan and families

~ Marvella Carr Carr-lockwood - August 8, 2014

Les, Brandi, Scot, Heidi, Wes, Alvin

Sorry About the loss of your loved one. Wayne and I always enjoyed spending time with you when ever we went to visiit Wes and Heidi. I have gathered many recipes from Nada . She was always a wonderful hostess.We have to be thankful forbthebyears that were sharedvwithnherband treasure the memories we will have with us always.
God bless you all

~ Wayne and Joan DeRosier - August 8, 2014

Dear Leslie, Alvin, Brandi and Heidi,
My heart and prayers go out to you all. Nada was one in a million, a truly lovely lady and all around wonderful person. I so enjoyed working with her over the years and being around her. She was loved by so many. May the Lord comfort you all.

~ Sandi Dale - August 8, 2014

This is a sad time for all of us. But I'm going to remember all the great times with Nada. I loved working with her in Extension. We started the same year in Johnson County and she was an exceptional agent. I learned a lot from Nada and admired her for her skills, enthusiasm, and professionalism. Your family will always be special to me. Thanks for sharing Nada and letting me be part of your family.

~ Rick Miller - August 8, 2014

Nada was a beautiful lady inside and out. She had a wealth of knowledge that she shared with all. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for your family. She will be missed by all who had the blessing of meeting her.

~ Julie Ramsey - August 8, 2014

Leslie, Brandi, Heidi and Alvin....I truly loved Nada. She was a blessing in my life as she taught me to quilt. I never had the opportunity to quilt with my own mother so I am deeply grateful for the lessons she taught me in the classes. Nada was a mentor to many and she will be missed. Please hold in your heart that she was a special lady and my life is better to have known Nada. When the sadness fills your hearts, please know that she is watching and she will be organizing a class from above......Karen Ulanski

~ Karen Ul - August 7, 2014

Nada's Family (Leslie and daughters)
I was so sorry to hear of the Loss of Nada she will certainly be missed by all.
I have so many fond memories of Nada coming to Miami County as her first job as a Extension Home Economist. She was a Great Person as a co-worker and as a friend. We will certainly keep you guys in our prayers and thoughts.

~ Sonny Sisk - August 7, 2014

To Les, Brandi, Heidi, Alvin and family, My heart is saddened at the death of Nada. She was my quilting friend and mentor . . . . and such a LADY in every way! My deepest sympathies to all of you. "Eternal rest, grant unto her, oh Lord! May Perpetual Light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. May her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."

~ Judy Derr - August 7, 2014

Brandi,
Keeping you in our Prayers in this time of loss. Loved the asparagus. :)
Dan & Wilma Wobker

~ Wilma wobker - August 6, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Nada was a wonderful mentor to me first as a sponsor when I went to national 4-h congress and then as a county 4-h agent while she was the county extension home economist in Miami and Johnson counties.. She was one of the best agents in the state. She was passionate about, extension and most of all her family.

~ Lynne Matile - August 6, 2014

Leslie, Brandi, Heidi, Alvin and family; Nada was a fantastic person. She was a role model for me. I consider myself very lucky to have known her. As a wife and mother you to were blessed. We will always have our memories. I am so sad her life is over. Tears and prayers for all of you.

~ Nancy Schuster - August 6, 2014

My heart is breaking and at the same time, rejoicing. My friend, Nada, is free and yet I am bound here. I can't wait to see her again. I love you all.

~ Olga Hoenes - August 6, 2014