Nadine Wood Greff

Nadine Wood Greff, was born July 17, 1932, in Childress, Texas, and passed peacefully at Bethany Home Ripon, on December 10, 2025. Nadine endured a lengthy illness with Dementia which progressed in her final years to Alzheimer's.

She was preceded in death by her husband John Sr., one son, her sister, a daughter-in-law, a grandson, two grandsons-in-law, and a great-grandson.

Nadine is survived by a daughter and her husband, three sons and a daughter-in-law, several grandchildren and their spouses, and multiple great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her oldest best friend, Rebecca, who became her sister-in-law, a brother-in-law, a nephew and his spouse, a niece, three great-nieces, and a great-nephew.

Nadine was born in Childress, Texas, and at about age 12, she moved with her mother to Modesto, California, where she met her future husband and made many lasting friendships. The Modesto and surrounding area became her home for the next 81 years.

Though not boastful, Nadine was academically gifted and loved learning. She graduated as Valedictorian of Modesto High School mid-semester, and later pursued a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Stanislaus State College while working.

Nadine loved God, her family and her community. She enjoyed singing gospel hymns, serving in church activities, leading the ladies' Bible class, volunteering as a camp nurse, family camping trips, genealogy research, cruising, and shopping. One of her favorite experiences and long held dream, was volunteering as a nurse on a month-long mission trip to Ghana, Africa.

Nadine became an RN in L&D, and her nursing career spanned nearly 40 years. She loved nursing and though it took time away from her family, she never forgot the importance of being a mother and wife. Nadine was a godly woman committed to honoring God and faithfulness to family despite the demands of a full-time career. These values were deeply woven into her life by the Holy Spirit. She was not ashamed of her faith and quietly taught her children and friends what a godly and kind character looks like.

Even in Nadine's final years, with significant cognitive decline, she would sing along to her favorite hymns in beautiful harmony. For those who shared in these sweet moments, it will be a blessing forever etched on their hearts. As Isaiah 12:2 says, "Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD God is my strength and my song and has become my salvation." It was evident, even as Nadine battled the challenges of Alzheimer's, the LORD remained her strength and song!

Nadine's quiet and gentle nature was a gift, often described by staff at Bethany Home as "our sweet Nadine." Despite this cruel disease, her smile and kindness remained, touching many lives and leaving a legacy of love.

Among Nadine's greatest loves, was to travel and she generously shared that joy with her family. Together with her husband, she visited all seven continents, creating lifelong memories. But in all those wonderful trips, the greatest journey was yet to be taken.

Nadine, (mom) finally experienced her greatest travel destination. This trip was pre-paid, in full, with no additional payment needed. It was all inclusive and wasn't a temporary destination with an end date. It's an eternal destination!

If you were able to ask her, I think she'd tell you "It's the most indescribably beautiful place ever. It is marvelously wonderful and out of this world." And she'd likely add, "unlike other travel destinations, once you're here, you will never consider going back to what you think is home."

And I believe there might be just one more thing she'd say with a soft and gentle voice, all the while smiling, "don't let anything in this world interfere with or hinder you from planning to make this your final destination – it's heaven!"

In loving memory,

The Greff children:

Jan, John Jr, Jim, and Jeff.