Nadine G. "Deanie" Umstead

Nadine "Deanie" G. Umstead, age 75 of Mount Gilead, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 10, 2025 at Woodside Village Care Center surrounded by family.
She was born on February 18, 1950 to Robert Wilson and Marie Ellen (Anker) Graves in Columbus, OH. She attended Galion High School, graduated in 1968, and went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Ohio State University in 1972. She pursued many paths until she found her calling as a Contracting Officer for the Defense Logistics Agency. She married the love of her life, John Edward Umstead, on June 9, 1973, and they spent 52 wonderful years together making memories and raising their two daughters.
Her family was her pride and joy, always supporting her children, Abigail and Samantha, as well as her grandson, Jack. She also played an active role in the lives of her nieces, nephews, and their children. Getting to see her children grow up into the beautiful souls they've become, and watching her family grow brought her great happiness.
Besides loving her family, Nadine was a woman who loved the outdoors, being on the water, and thinking up projects for John. She was always busy with one of her hobbies whether it was knitting, crocheting, or gardening. Some of her happiest times were when her hands were in the dirt, caring for and nurturing her garden. She was a tree hugger at heart and loved being outside. She enjoyed camping with friends and family at any Ohio State Park, being out on the boat, doing water aerobics, and lending a hand in the development of Mt. Tabor Trail at Candlewood Lake. She had a lifelong passion for Girl Scouts and served as a scout leader to both daughters' troops.
Nadine was also passionate about music, stemming from her father's talents as a musician. She was a lifelong pianist, played the glockenspiel in the Galion High School Marching Band, and learned to play the ukulele after her 25th wedding anniversary trip to Hawaii. She made sure her children were raised with the same love and passion for music that she had, encouraging them to participate in their school music programs. She and John spent 8 fulfilling years as actively involved members of the Bloom-Carroll Music Boosters.
Nadine was dedicated to lifelong learning and pursued professional advancements at every opportunity. In order to enhance her knowledge, skills, and abilities at work, she consistently took courses in accounting that resulted in multiple promotions. Her involvement and eventual leadership role in Toastmasters exemplified her bravery to push beyond her comfort zone. During her time with DLA, she trained and mentored multiple interns, her way of giving back to the program in which she received training. She also volunteered in the Ohio Reads Program, helping local school children discover a love for reading and writing. While in Girl Scouts as a child, she was introduced to her penpal in the UK, Gill Emmerson. They corresponded for 60 years until Gill passed away just last month.
Nadine is deeply missed, but our hearts know that she did not go up empty handed. We sent her off with a pocket full of seashells, a deck of cards, a jigsaw puzzle, and her knitting needles and crochet hooks. She has so many family and friends she has touched along the way who will share her memories and stories for years to come.
Nadine is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, John Umstead; children: Abigail (Caroline) Vandenberg and Samantha (Zachary Shornick) Umstead; grandchild, Jack Vandenberg; nieces and nephews: Emily (Chris), Aaron (Carrie) and Elliot; great nieces and nephews: Jasper, Violet, Owen, Asa, and Eli; and long time friend and "sister," Cindy Eusey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marie Ellen Graves; sister, Susan (Dave) Nicely; and nephew, Andy Nicely.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to serve Nadine's family during this difficult time. Special memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting our website: snyderfuneralhomes.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association, American Kidney Fund, or a charity of your choice, in her memory.