Condolences

• 01/27/2018

  Paula Kay

  While I have clear memories of a few of these amazing Thanksgiving dinners, and memories of Pecos, I am forever touched by the love and compassion shown to us when Dad passed away. Ed, Nancy, and I were so shocked, so utterly hearbroken to lose Dad, that it is a wonder we made it through those dark days. We each had such complicated relationships with our father that the grief was even more difficult to sort through. But it was Aunt Orlene (and Bill) and Aunt Louise (and Bob) and Uncle Jack (and Ruthie) who organized us and led us gently through the challenges of that awful week. Cousin Jeff and I stayed with Orlene and Bill. I have never experienced such tenderness and compassion - and sweet hospitality. I am grateful to have had several opportunities to share with them, my father's amazing siblings, how much their love meant to me. Paula Kay

• 01/09/2018

  Jeff Nesselroad

  Orlene made a mark on our lives. She and Bill were always so kind and welcoming. I have fond memories of the Christmas Eve celebrations at their house. Their home was always so neat and clean because (since Mike & Edwin scared them out of child bearing)They were great house keepers. I recall the Christmas Eve that was to become Julies "0" birthday. The reason I can recall it so well (as I was a 4 year old), there was a very bright star in the east... 'not really'. I came down with the stomach flu over at the Christmas Eve celebration and puked everywhere in Orlene's very nice clean house. Orlene made excellent (family famous) divinity candy. Guess I'd consumed a lot, because I can't eat it to this day. Like Mike's, Pecos was a fond memory. As he got older it was probably harder for him to tolerate the kids mobbing him, putting him up on his haunches and holding his ears up so he'd look like one of those wabbits he was born to trail. I don't think he ever made a hostile move toward anyone (but Mike who he only growled at). One last childhood memory of Orlene's was a snowy Christmas Eve celebration in the early 60's. We all went out front to watch Rudolph pass over head. Have since come to realize the star which streaked overhead was probably an early satellite or space capsule. At the time though I was reassured a little longer of the existence of Santa Clause. We will miss Orlene but she touched our lives in profound ways.

• 01/09/2018

  Ed Nesselroad

  My memories of growing up in Kansas City revolve around family. Grandparents, parents, kids, and aunts and uncles gathered in large numbers for holiday or Sunday meals. Aunt Orlene occupies a warm and prominent place in my heart from those early days. I remember her as attractive and stylish, regardless of the occasion. Aunt Orlene was intelligent without being aloof, always smart and just a little smart aleck. But she never offended. Her engaging smile and quick, knowing wink welcomed you into her world. One of my favorite memories of Aunt Orlene happened, not surprisingly, at a family function. She put her arms around my cousin Mike and me and lovingly whispered, "You know, if it weren't for you two, I think Bill and I would have had kids of our own." I loved you Aunt Orlene...and love you still.

• 01/08/2018

  Julie Bonderov

  Thanks for sharing, Michael!

• 01/08/2018

  Michael Crummett

  When Auntie Orlene & Uncle Bill were still living in Kansas City & I was a young boy, they would sometimes take me out for ice cream at Velvet Freeze or to the zoo so I could renew ties with my primate brethren. Bill & Orlene were so loving, so giving, so thoughtful. However, those attributes would soon be challenged. Sometimes, they would have me over to their home so I could see Pecos, their tri-colored Beagle, especially after I lost my own dog, Domino. After playing hard in their backyard, B & O decided I better have a bath before they returned me to my Mom (Orlene's sister). As soon as the water was run, I snuck Pecos into the bathroom so I could baptize him (full-body, back-prone immersion in the Southern Baptist tradition of our forebears). When the distinctly Beagle howls of Pecos' yelps & the thrashing sounds of splashing waters pierced the otherwise stillness of the Ashcraft residence, B & O burst into the sopping wet bathroom. The surprised, stern, angry looks on their faces suggested to me that I may no longer have an aunt & uncle. Although their patience & understanding had been tested to the extreme, they ultimately reacted with unconditional love, resolve & forgiveness.....probably because they knew I would soon be out of their hair (Ha!). I remember looking forward to the Nesselroad Thanksgivings because the food would flow deep & yummy. Aunt Orlene would often contribute her famous cranberry relish & Dutch Apple Pies. In fact, we still use her recipes today for these as well as other dishes. I am so thankful for the time Linda & I had with Orlene, Jack & Ruthie, Jeff & Bebs & Julie two Christmases ago when we made a yuletide circuit through California. Though we wish we would have had longer, we cherish the love & fellowship we shared. Ironically, when I received word of Orlene's passing, I had just completed a wonderful, happy visit with Orlene's brother, Uncle Ed at the Silver City Care Center in Silver City, New Mexico. Make e

• 12/27/2017

  Julie Bonderov

  I remember Christmas and Thanksgiving celebrations at Orlene and Bill's back in MO and here in S. Diego. She was a great cook! (Chocolate pecan pie, yum!) She had a gift of hospitality. We found a notebook where she wrote down things like, "Bob likes 2 pillows" and dietary preferences, and other notes on what would make her guests more comfortable. I remember when B & O went to Mexico, making an outline of my foot so they could bring back the right size of moccasins. I loved those! I still have a tiny clock that came from Switzerland and remember a music box from someplace like that that looked like an Alpine dwelling. In her later years here, even when with less clarity, she continued to be hospitable, wanting to make sure everyone had a chair, someplace to sleep and thought of others' needs above her own. She was patient and kind and maintained such a good attitude even when her situation was not ideal and she might have been uncomfortable. My folks will miss their frequent visits with her. So will I. Julie B.