C. NaDean Aten 68, Charleston, Ill., passed away on Saturday (6/13/09) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. NaDean was born in Lincoln, Neb. on October 24, 1940, a daughter of the late Robert and Georgia (Kauffman) Haase. She married Dennis Aten in Lincoln on June 15, 1958 and they have lovingly shared nearly fifty-one years of marriage and friendship.
In addition to Dennis she is survived by her children, Keith Aten, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Kevin Aten and wife, Sonja, Cerro Gordo, Ill.; and Lori Aten, Charleston; five grandchildren, Sarah and Paul Aten, Cerro Gordo; and Christina, Leanna and Ashley Purcell, all of Charleston; a sister, Lois Hoback and husband, Don, Lincoln; and a brother-in-law, Ron Aten and wife, Linda, Abilene, Texas. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Gerald Haase; and a daughter-in-law, Diane.
NaDean was a member of the First Baptist Church in Charleston where she was actively involved in its ministry. During the winter months when she and Dennis flew south to Panama City Beach, Fla. with the other snowbirds, she attended the Gulf Beach Baptist Church. NaDean was a clerk in the catalog department of the former Charleston Montgomery Ward Store and for ten years served as an Alcoholism Counselor for the Hour House where she was dedicated to helping change and improve life for others. NaDean was also devoted to being a homemaker and to taking care of her family who knew they could rely on her to be there for them.
NaDean was an extremely talented woman with a diverse array of abilities. She could sing and dance and while still living in Nebraska, she was a cast member of the children's television show "Mary and Mr. Bill" performing as a pantomimist.
She was artistic and crafty and her needlework was exceptional, whether it was knitted, crocheted or quilted each stitch was meticulous. She was a collector of cherubs, aspired to be a master at operating a computer, and if there was a prize given for owning the most "gadgets" she would surely be the recipient of such an award. But it was always her family who were the most near and dear to her heart; she was the "greatest mom in the world" and she took every opportunity to shower her grandchildren with love and affection. Memories of NaDean will be cherished by her family and friends who dearly loved her.
Services celebrating and honoring her life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday (June 17) at First Baptist Church, 2800 University Drive in Charleston with Gene Scholes officiating. Burial will follow in the Aten Cemetery located in Crooked Creek Township, Jasper County, Ill. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston. NaDean's family requests that memorial gifts in her honor be made to the Hour House in Charleston. Gifts may be left on the Memorial Table at the Visitation or Services or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920.