Nellie White

Nellie White, 96, of Santa Ana, CA, died Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at her residence. Reminiscing will begin at 3 p.m., Saturday, October 13, followed by a graveside funeral service at 3:30 p.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Greenleaf. Nellie was born March 4, 1916, south of Haddam, KS, daughter of Martha Lucinda and John Patrick Donohue. She grew up in Washington County and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greenleaf, KS. She married Lowell Arthur White in November 1937 in Washington, KS. In 1963, she moved to southern California and spent the last forty-four years in Santa Ana, CA. Nellie provided a home for children who are developmentally disabled; five (aka The Gang) are still residing in her home under the care of her beloved Granddaughter, Janna. She was actively involved in several programs including a “Singing Hands” group, Scouts, Special Olympics and others. She was presented the 1984 Sertoma Club award for Service to Mankind among other recognitions for her dedication and efforts. Nellie also made a second home in Selma, OR, where she loved gardening, walking to the creek, rocking on the porch and enjoying the mountains and family visits. A family joke was that Nellie was part gypsy because of her love of travel, people were drawn to her and she had a special way that made each one feel the welcoming warmth of her heart. Her faith was deep and she was particularly devoted to the Rosary. Nellie was a faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Santa Ana, CA, and St Patrick of the Forest in Cave Junction, OR. Survivors include their children, Martha Jane Koehler, Santa Ana, CA, Ada Louise Cleveland, Bentonville, AR, Daniel Lowell (Rinda) White, Vista, CA, Hila Aliece (Brant) Watt-White, Allenstown, NH; sister, Audrey Miller, Cave Junction, OR; brother-in-law, Jack Barba, Raymore, MO; fourteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members who were loved by “Aunt Nellie”, “Grandmother” and “Mother”. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant son; three brothers; and four sisters. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Nellie White, please visit our flower store.