Nona Trites

Resilient and resourceful, our mother was still driving (with one blind eye) at 93 proudly independent in her own home until a few months ago. Born September 6, 1928, in Cherokee Oklahoma, Nona Nelle was a child of the depression who understood ‘cost and value’ while remaining grateful for everything she had. She delighted in her home, her family and her friends.

An optimist, she rarely complained about life, praying for God’s guidance and wisdom every day. Her trust in the Lord was complete. “I need to pray about it” was a phase she often said, knowing God would provide for her well-being. And she was always ‘tickled pink’ when He did.

Funny, feisty, intelligent, quick-witted, even ascorbic at times, her mind was razor sharp. Nona loved a good argument – not that she was interested in changing her point of view-- she simply loved the sparring.

Competitive and fearless, as a young woman Nona excelled in basketball, softball, tennis, badminton, ice-skating, swimming, and horseback riding. With a ruthless backhand slice, she won the state championship in ping pong at seventeen. Matt, Helen’s oldest son recalls that even when he was a child playing croquet with her, she would gleefully whack his ball to the corner of the yard. My sons remember the fierce monopoly games when she came to Winnipeg-- she always won.

One of the surprises for Helen and I as we cleaned out their home of fifty years was the vast treasures of her art, tucked away under beds, in wallpaper sample books. Of course, she loved painting animals on rocks. Her ‘rock pets’ were tucked in corners of her home and gave her great delight. But Nona was a rare and gifted artist.

Largely self-taught, Nona never stopped creating art throughout life. Her striking ink line work was rivaled only by equally evocative water colours, often of the mines that Albert worked in as a geologist. Until this year, she painted or drew a card for every grandchild and great grandchild’s birthday. Connecting with Mom through her ‘hidden’ art has been a comfort for both Helen and me.

For mom, following God’s direction in her life was the constant goal. When Albert left geology and he and Nona went to Australia in the early 60’s as co-Directors of Child Evangelism where they worked tirelessly to create the National CEF organization and Institute with Good News Clubs in every major city. It was an enormous task, but they did it. For them it was a 24/7 commitment that was a higher calling.

They returned to the States, and Colorado to make 7190 West 29th place home. They had lived there over fifty years, and even though she loved her beautiful Assisted Living Apartment for the four weeks she was there, it was painful for her to leave her home.

Helen beautifully decorated her three-room apartment and we put up much of her framed art.

When the wonderful staff at Applewood (thank you Sarah, Tracy, Jessica) came to meet Nona, they looked around at the art on the walls and gasped. They had a real artist living with them! Slightly embarrassed, yet deeply pleased, she would say, “Oh, you like it? Well, I painted that picture a long time ago, but I’m getting back to my painting once I get my strength back.”

The lovely Marie who ran the art group at Applewood was going to have an exhibition in an art gallery specifically showcasing Mom’s work. Nona died before that could happen. We take comfort that Mom knew it was coming, and, perhaps for the first time in her life, she felt the acknowledgment of her work as an artist.

Nona Nelle had wonderful friends who thoroughly enjoyed her, whether it be weekly visits or on long phone calls. For years, Nancy Bybee came by every week with a meal for her. These visits delighted her. Catherine Dunlap, who was a dear friend to the end, even shopped for Nona when she moved to Assisted Living and for years engaged with her on many levels from politics to alternative medicine. Laurie Smith called from Texas weekly, they talked for hours.

If you ever tried to call mom on Thursday night you only got a busy signal as Marcella and Nona had long conversations, praying together and solving the world situations. And dear Candle and her three beautiful girls who lived across the street was always there to keep an eye on her and give her a hand, taking out her trash weekly, or popping by with the girls. Nona kept chocolate for the girls as a treat.

A constant regret of Mom was that her own children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren lived so far away. Of course, the absence for the last many years of her son Tim remained a heartache, but whenever Helen urged Nona to come to live in Grand Junction, her response was always that she loved her home and her friends in Denver too much to leave.

Dad had been gone seven years, but while she was alone, Nona never felt lonely. Helen and I often told her how brave she was to carry on so capably with all the finances and responsibilities of running a house that Al had always taken care of for her. Even though Helen and Lou came down several times a year, and I came with Jason once a year to do a thorough ‘honey-do’ list, she took care of her life with skill and joy. Helen and I were proud of her endless resourcefulness and cheerfulness despite a body that was failing on so many levels.

Now, at last, Nona has been able to let it all go, including her tired body, as she has joined her sweetheart and everyone else waiting for her on the other side.

Mom, we know you are rejoicing in your true home, but we, your children, with a combined eight children and fourteen great grandchildren, mightily miss you.

Helen and I miss your rollicking laughter and your tender “I love you” at the end of our nightly calls. We miss the Denver weather report. There are so many questions we failed to ask you, but we always told you that we loved you.

“We love you mom” were the last words Helen and I said to you over the phone call we were both on. You said, “I know you do. And I appreciate all you girls have done for me. I love you both so much too.”

And now you are fully radiant and whole, in the arms of love.

Thank you for giving us life mom. Thank you for your love.

Nancy and Helen

TO ALL NONA’S FAMILY AND FRIENDS:

Grief is a funny thing. It knocks you down when you least expect it. Then laughter follows. Nona is not dead. Her body is gone, but she is alive and radiant.

For absurd reasons beyond our control, there was a long delay before Mom could be cremated and sadly, before we were even informed. Helen and I have decided at this point not to have a service as the only way to do it would be on Zoom. Mom would laugh at the idea of a Zoom memorial—well actually-- she might say that that was absolutely not a way to celebrate her life and passing.

We know you have been mourning the loss of Nona Nelle in your own life in your own way and honouring her --as have Helen and I and our children and grandchildren. We would love you to share your memories with us. There are spaces below to write your thoughts of how she was part of your life.

Helen and I will read each one of your words with deep gratitude. We know that has happy as she is now in her new body and new life, she loved each of you and cherished you in her life.