Loneta Beatrice Nash

11-17-1917 to 9-15-2013

“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

John 13: 34-35

Pacific Grove ~ Loneta Beatrice Henderson was born in Hico, Texas on November 17, 1917. She was the sixth child of seven born to Purdy Wilson Henderson and Nancy Adeline (Maddle) Henderson. Loneta moved with her family to Somerton, Arizona when she was 9 months old. Her family farmed in the Yuma Valley until the depression, at which time they bought a hotel and moved to Yuma, Arizona.

Loneta met Odell Crawford Nash and they were married in Yuma, Arizona on February 4, 1934. Loneta and Odell raised two children, Philip Crawford Nash, and Nancy Beth Nash (Hufford). After a visit to the Monterey area to visit Odell’s brothers, they decided to live in Pacific Grove and moved there in August of 1943 where Odell began working for the Railway Express. Loneta worked as a professional silk finisher and then found her niche as a manager for Western Union until she retired from that position in 1977. Never one to be idle, and always social, Loneta worked another 30 years as a personal driver for senior residents of the Forest Hill Manor in Pacific Grove. She continued driving her last client until she was 90, at which time she retired.

Loneta was preceded in death by her husband, her son, her parents and her siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Charles) Hufford, her daughter-in-law, Patricia Nash; her grandchildren, Sheree (Lee) Goldman, Kimberly (James) Long , Susan Nash Valenzuela, Scott (Kristi) Hufford, Philip (Lisa) Nash II, and Brian (Demetra) Hufford. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren. Sarah Long, Brenna (Derek) Dockter, James (Bri) Long, Rachael (Corey) Wunderlich, Caleb Armstrong, Jessica Valenzuela, Matthew Long, Adam Armstrong, Alyssa Valenzuela, Ryan Armstrong, Josh Hufford, Jenna Hufford, Jessica Hufford, Will Hufford, Nate Hufford, Katie Nash, and Philip Nash III. Loneta is also survived by her great-great grandchildren: Peyton Wunderlich, Preston Wunderlich, ZoeyDockter, Paxton Wunderlich, and Charlotte Dockter.

In 1968, Loneta joined the First Baptist Church in Monterey where she enjoyed a succession of wonderful pastors, and decades of fellowship and worship. Her faith was immensely important to her, and her life was a living testimony.

Loneta loved music and yard sales, biscuits and gravy, cheetah print, shoes, and orchids. Most of all she loved people and the Lord. There was nothing she would rather do than spend time with her family… and her family included anyone who wanted to be a part of it. Her love and generosity were boundless.

Loneta made a home with her daughter, Nancy and Nancy’s husband, Charlie, for the last three years of her life. They enjoyed playing dominos after dinner nearly every night, and Loneta often won.

On September 15, 2013, Loneta gently left this world after kissing everyone who came to see her, humming along with hymns, surrounded by her family.

She truly made a difference.

A celebration of Loneta’s life will be held at the First Baptist Church of Monterey, at 1:00 P.M. this Thursday, September 19. Donations in her memory may be made to the First Baptist Church of Monterey, 600 Hawthorne, Monterey, 93940.