Elaine Victoria Nachreiner

1928 - 2018

Elaine Victoria Nachreiner

Billings, MT

Mom was born October 16, 1928 in Yreka CA while Grandpa was working in the local construction trade. He always joked and said he panicked, got Grandma to the nearest hospital he knew of and that Mom was born in the door way of the hospital. They lived in Gazelle at the time of her birth but moved to Kennett, which is now at the bottom of Shasta Lake, shortly after. She passed away July 4, 2018 in Billings MT just shy of her 90th birthday.

She attended Pine Street Elementary School and Shasta High School in Redding.

Mom met Dad (Joe) at an Igo/Ono Grange Hall dance and a love affair was born. They were married September 17, 1948. They led a very active life in the Churn Creek Bottom area of Shasta County. Dad worked as a shovel operator for Oaks Sand and Gravel so Mom was in charge of taking care of the cows, and tending her orchard (which produced some of the best cherries around) and her garden. If you knew Mom, you knew that if she was "in charge" she was in her element. Mom was also an avid bowler and had a grand time doing so. As small as she was she used a 15lb ball. Amazing.

When Interstate 5 went through California in the late 60s, they lost half of their place due to eminent domain and decided to sell the rest and move to Palo Cedro, CA. There, she maintained her level of activity raising her cows and continuing to take care of her stellar orchard and garden. They also became very active in the local muzzle loader group, Louderback Fiddlebackers, with their good friends Art and Shirley Knolty, and Don and Sandy Winters. Dad built their guns and Mom made their clothes from hides of deer they harvested each fall. They had a wonderful life together in Palo Cedro until Dad passed in 1990.

Some years after that, she met Floyd Santos. She and Floyd were a staple on area ranches doing day work for many years. After Floyd passed she continued to help out until her horse became lame and she could no longer do so. She was about 80 at that time.

Mom always said she was extremely lucky to have had two wonderful men in her life, and I agree.

In October 2016 Mom moved to Cody WY to be close to us. Unfortunately, life had a different path for her and she had to be placed in a nursing home. We chose one in Billings MT for the continuity of care they provided. She remained there until her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joe, brothers George and David, sister Yvonne and good friend Floyd Santos. She leaves behind her daughter Karen Dunbar (John), Granddaughter Sharon Nevitt (Eric), Grandson Jim, Great Granddaughter Taylor Nevitt, Great Grandson Merritt Dunbar, sister Lynda Van Zant, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and a multitude of friends.

Her wish was to be cremated and placed with Dad in Redding CA. Graveside services are planned at Lawncrest Chapel, Redding CA for September 14 2018 at 10 am.

As one of my friends said "A Great American woman exits on the Great American Celebration". Mom always did things on her terms. Thank you Mom for being who you were and for making us who we are today. We love you and will miss you always.

Please sign the guestbook at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/redding/