Nona Park

Nona was born the morning the lights came on in Noble, Oklahoma February 3, 1923. Her parents, Donnie and O.Z. (“Buck”) Price had their home wired for electricity the month before Nona was born. Right on cue, just as Nona entered this world, all the lights in that little house came on. From that moment on she proved to be special.

By the time Nona was a young teenager her family and friends realized she had the gift of singing. She traveled all over Oklahoma singing in Baptist churches and by the time she was a senior at Noble High School she was recognized for her gift. She was offered a scholarship and given the opportunity to study music and expand her vocal gift. However, “God had other plans for Nona”, as she would tell her family. Nona met, fell in love with and married Paul Park in May of 1941. She never regretted that decision. In 1943, Paul enlisted in the Army Air Corp and Nona was with him in body and spirit. Every few months Paul was sent to another training school around the country and Nona followed. They wanted to be together as much as they could before he was sent to England and WWII. Paul flew 27 missions over Germany as the aircraft pilot of a B-24 Liberator. 1st Lt. Park named the bomber, “Nona Rhea” after his beloved bride.

Even though Paul made the headlines as the war hero, it was Nona that kept the home fires burning and family intact. It was her strength that rebuilt a home every three or four years, no matter where Paul’s military career took them, across the world. She encouraged the family to experience each new home and explore the surroundings. She planted the seed that life is an adventure and we should face every experience with a positive attitude and learn as much as we could from it and Nona gave her children the greatest gift: the introduction to Jesus Christ.

Nona and Paul attended countless athletic events, plays, concerts, church activities and the many other activities in which their kids were involved. She sat in bleachers during bone-chilling snow and rain. She crowded into uncomfortable auditoriums and sat through plays and concerts just to let her kids know that she supported and cared for them. When grandchildren began playing sports and were involved in other activities Nona and Paul enjoyed and supported them, just as much as they did with the first “generation”. Sixty plus year residents of Colorado Springs, Nona and Paul enjoyed the beauty of Colorado and traveled extensively throughout their retirement. Long-time members of Vista Grande Baptist Church, Paul and Nona attended church and Sunday school where ever they were stationed throughout their lives.

Nona was known for her sweet and caring spirit. She was not one to speak negatively about anyone. Nona was the epitome of positive thinking. When things looked bleak she found the proverbial silver lining and would encourage all around her to see it too. In her later years, when she had care-givers, she continued to be patient and more concerned about them than about herself. Nona was a joy to be with. Her sense of humor and bright cheery outlook was uplifting and contagious.

When Nona was called Home on May 20, 2015, a huge hole opened up in the lives and hearts of her family and all those who knew her. Nona was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Paul Park, grandsons Zachary Park and Douglas Parrish, and son-in-law Gary Bieker. She talked often about seeing them all again and what a wonderful day that will be. She is survived by her four children (Joe Park and wife Shirley of Bakersfield, CA; Linda Anderson and husband Bob of Colorado Springs; Bill Park of Colorado Springs; and Jim Park and wife, Christine of Larkspur, CO.), 7 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Although Nona never liked being in the spotlight and tried to shine that on others, from her very first day she glowed with her own special light. Not only was she a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother she was a wonderful friend and confidant. She set a high standard to follow and provided an example of what being a Christian, as well as a loving and caring wife and mother truly looks like. We miss you Mother and will see you again when the LORD calls us Home. What a wonderful day that will be.

Visitation 10:00-11:00 Tuesday May 26, 2015, followed by funeral service at 11:00 at Vista Grande Baptist Church 5680 Stetson Hills Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917. Burial to follow at Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Optum Palliative and Hospice Care 536 Chapel Hills Drive, Suite 120 Colorado Springs, CO 80920.