Nanon Buchell

1933 - 2025

Nanon Diane Buchell

December 17, 1933 - December 14, 2025

Fair Oaks, California - Nanon Diane (Hitt) Buchell, 91, of Fair Oaks, California peacefully passed away on December 14, 2025 with her daughters by her side.

She was born in Chico, California in 1933, a fifth generation Chicoian, to Miriam Leola (Riley) Hitt and Cecil Perkins Hitt. She and her sister Sharron were raised in a very loving home. As a gifted seamstress, she sewed most of her own clothing, won a blue ribbon for an original design dress, made bridesmaid dresses for friends and excelled in her home economics class. Her family loved to play games and cards together which began a lifelong passion for the game of Bridge starting at the age of eight. Nanon graduated from Chico High School in 1951 then started at Cal Berkeley the same year. She graduated with a Liberal Arts degree in 1955.

A few days after she graduated, she met Carl at a popular Berkeley jazz bar. Because it was crowded, Nanon and her friends joined Carl's table and the romance grew from there. They were married in her Chico home in 1956 prior to Carl's military deployment to Texas.

After Carl was discharged and accepted a sales position with Ayerst, they resided in Redwood City. After Lynn's birth, they relocated to the Foothill Farms area and soon after Jennifer was born, they moved to Carmichael where they raised their family. Nanon was an incredibly patient, kind and loving homemaker, wife, and mom. Once the girls were off on their own, they moved to their beautiful home at the Lakes at Northridge Country Club where they lived the last 35 years of their lives.

In 1970, they bought three Gunther's Ice Cream locations. This became a family business where she instilled a strong work ethic in her girls. Nanon, known as Mrs. B to her employees, became the heart and soul of the business. She spread her magic through her delightful personality, organizational skills and delicious homemade meatloaf, daily soups, and potato and macaroni salads that grew the business beyond ice cream. Lunch hour was a very busy time!

Nanon and Carl were able to travel extensively once Carl retired from Ayerst in 1981. They enjoyed wonderful trips to Europe, yearly visits to Puerto Vallarta, and many cruises with family and friends. In 1988 they bought into a cabin at Donner Lake where they enjoyed fishing and socializing with friends and family. While at home in their wonderful Northridge community they enjoyed golfing, bridge and many social gatherings. Her claim to fame was a hole in one!

Nanon was a member of PEO, holding many offices and eventually President of her chapter. She loved all her PEO sisters and serving the community. She was also a member of several bridge groups, where she played twice a week. She attributed her sharp mind to her love of the game.

She attended Bayside Church in Granite Bay for many years. She and Carl gave generously to the organizations of which they belonged.

Nanon leaves behind her loving family, two daughters - Lynn (Gary) and Jennifer (Paul), and four grandchildren - Hannah, Nick, Chris, and Noah. She is survived by her sister Sharron and predeceased by her husband Carl (2024). She also leaves behind many beautiful valued friendships, too numerous to name.

Nanon was a very special person. Those who knew her, loved her. She spread her beautiful personality and love wherever she went. Her family and friends consider themselves very blessed to call her Mom, Grandma, sister or dear friend. Our loss is immense, but we are comforted in knowing that she is at home with her Lord and Savior.

A Celebration of Life for her family and friends will be held on February 14, 2026 from 12 - 3 p.m. at Northridge Country Club. In Lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.