L. Nadean Chandler

L. Nadean Chandler, age 89, of Paxton, Nebraska entered eternal rest February 1, 2021 at the Pearl Assisted Living Home, in Elizabeth, CO.

She was born November 28, 1931 in Arthur, NE to Albert and Rosella (Mendenhall) Staples. Nadean graduated from Curtis High School in 1949 and she later attended Barnes Technical College in Colorado.

She was united in marriage to Roy Dewayne McClain on December, 27, 1951 at Arthur Baptist Church, Arthur, NE and became the mother of Victor "Vic", Scott, and Melodi (Bishop).

After Roy’s tragic death from a plane crash she met and married Roy Cleveland in August of 1967. In true Brady Bunch fashion she welcomed Roy’s kids Rick, Cheryl and Ramona into her family. Although they later divorced they both remained in close contact with all of the kids and, later, grandkids.

Nadean then married Gerald Chandler on February 14, 1986 and once again was happy to welcome Larry, Mike and Susie (Branting) and all of their children into the family as well.

One doesn’t grow up with four brothers without becoming tough and resilient and Nadean could keep up with the best of them. Rumor has it that her baby cradle was knocked over by a brotherly tussle and from there, the stories get all the more interesting. From a snake extermination project to rumors of pictures in the school being shot off the walls by “someone”, life was never boring when Nadean was around. If the boys were acting up, she wouldn’t hesitate to grab one by the ear and put them in their place. She had a twinkle in her eye and fire in her pants and was never afraid to stand up for herself.

Despite her tomboy start, the word most often used to describe her by her friends is ‘classy’. She never hesitated to lend an ear, a helping hand or a friendship. Many came to her for advice and wisdom and usually left with a smile on their face after experiencing her quick wit and dry sense of humor. She never sat still and could always be found gardening, canning, sewing, reading and doing crafts.

Nadean was a hard worker and always put her family first. She spent many years working at TRW in the finance department and at Ogallala Livestock as bookkeeper for nearly three decades. After she retired she worked as a tour guide for the state of Nebraska - a job she enjoyed so much because she could be around people.

She loved her church life and was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church for many years. She found great comfort in the written word.

Nadean was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Kenneth and Don and her sister Janet (Magnusson), as well as her stepdaughter, Judy Chandler.

Survivors include her husband Gerald Chandler of Paxton, NE; her brothers Maurice (Gladyth) Staples of Ogallala, NE, and Jim (Alice) Staples of Englewood, CO; her children, Vic McClain of Sutherland, NE, Scott (Traci) McClain of Kiowa, CO, Melodi (Phil Simon) Bishop of Elizabeth, CO, Rick (Bonnie) Cleveland of North Platte, NE, Ramona (Dan) Vinton of Whitman, NE, Cheryl Lenox of Gillette, WY, Larry (Sheri) Chandler of Brule NE, Mike (Anita) Chandler of Paxton, NE, Susie Branting of Paxton, NE; along with so many grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

A limited private family memorial will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paxton, NE on February 9, 2021, with J.A. Welsh officiating. Graveside services will be held the same day at 12:00 p.m. at the Arthur Cemetery, and are open to all friends and family.

A recording of the service will also be available at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com. Memorials are suggested to the Wild Animal Sancuary of Keenesburg, CO in Nadean's memory.