Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Nola Lavene (Weir) Gan 1921-2004

Nola Lavene Weir Gan, daughter of James S. Weir and Annie Smiley Weir, was born on December 7, 1921 at Holly, Colorado and departed this life on March 5, 2004 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield, Missouri after attaining the age of 82 years, 2 months and 27 days.

During her youth, Nola accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and stayed true to her faith. She was a long time member of the First Freewill Baptist Church in Waynesville, Missouri and always very supportive of the ministries of other local churches, especially those of her children and grandchildren. After reaching the point in life where she was unable to physically attend church services she really enjoyed the visits from her pastor.

Nola was united in marriage to James Edmun Gan on October 11, 1935 and they shared nearly 56 years of marriage and eight children together.

Nola leaves to mourn her passing seven children, Lenard and Kay Gan of Plato, MO; Joan (JoAnn) Lewis of St. Robert, MO; Effie and Odell Bales of Laquey, MO; Pauline and Roger LaMountain of Waynesville, MO; Marlin (Marilyn) Stevens of Waynesville, MO; Richard Gan of Crocker, MO; Sandra and Roland Fagan of Buckhorn, MO. Eleven grandchildren including Eddie Bales, Jimmy Gan, Reda and Todd Tomason, Robin and Paul Smith, Randy LaMountain, Toni and David Stevens, Sarah Fagan, Jerimiah and Stacy Gan, Jamiann and James Turner, Joshua Gan, and Jacob Gan. Eight great-grandchildren: Aaron Tomason, Myra Tomason, Philip Smith, Jenna Smith, Lela LaMountain, Ethan Gan, Madison Gan, and Ashley Stevens; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. And also left to mourn her passing is her two special pets, her small dog Queenie and her cat Bobbie.

Preceding Nola in death are her parents, husband Edmun, first born infant son Henry Howard Gan, grandson Jerald Gan, three brothers, Ula, Ima, and Hershel Weir, and three sisters, Hurley Tomlinson, Mary Elmore, and Vernie Eldridge, and son-in-law Lloyd Lewis.

Nola, a very loving and nurturing person enjoyed her church, gospel singing, sewing, quilt making, blue grass music, cooking large meals for her family and many friends, and baby sitting especially with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In her younger years she enjoyed working with animals especially her goats, chickens, and ducks. She was always concerned about the welfare and health of others and prayed for them.

A special thanks to our sister Marlin (Marilyn) Stevens for her unselfish devotion in taking care of our mother during the last years of her life. We humbly thank you.

Our mom will be greatly missed by us all.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, March 10, 2004 at the First Freewill Baptist Church of Waynesville with Rev. Elmer Turnbough officiating. Nola's grandson Paul Smith read the obituary. Pianist Norma Smith accompanied the congregation as they sang "Are You Ready" and for soloist Sharon Greer as she sang "Amazing Grace". Soloist Don Pratt sang "Will the Circle Be Unbroken". Serving as escorts were Eddie Bales, Jacob Gan, Jerimiah Gan, Jimmy Gan, Joshua Gan, Paul Smith, David Stevens, Todd Tomason and James Turner.

Burial followed in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Freewill Baptist Church of Waynesville and may be left at the funeral home.

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