Obituary of Nadine Lancaster

Nadine Lancaster 1931 ~ 2020 passed away peacefully at the young age of 89 at her home with her daughter by her side, and the SpiriTones music playing as she entered Heaven’s Gate. She was born June 17, 1931 in Kimberly, Idaho to Sam and Faye Presnell-Savage. Childhood years were spent in the Kimberly-Hansen area, but the family eventually moved to Gooding, Idaho where she spent the remainder of her school years. She graduated from Gooding High School with the Class of 1949. In the fall of 1949 the plans were to begin her college education at NNC, but those plans changed when she met “her cowboy”. She married Thane Lancaster on December 29, 1949. They began this new chapter in their life in Gooding, and 2 years later welcomed their first child, Terry. Soon after his birth they moved to Filer where my dad was born & raised, and returned to the family farm. I’m really not sure that her new family was “prepared” for her fun-filled, joke pulling and “let’s have fun and laugh a lot” personality! I loved listening to her stories of the early years. My mom loved and served the Lord with all of heart, soul and mind, and was perhaps the strongest and most faithful prayer warrior I shall ever know. She was a lifetime member of the Church of the Nazarene. She served in many capacities within the church through the years, but I have to say her strongest passion was in Missions. She served as NWMS President numerous times, and was thrilled to participate in Work & Witness trips with her sister and brother-in-law. She had a beautiful voice and of course loved using it to glorify the Lord. The SpiriTones, a trio that she truly loved was formed, and gave her years of fulfillment, joy and contentment as they traveled all over sharing their beautiful music at churches of all faiths, and their love for the Lord. I close my eyes and can still hear her beautiful and strong alto voice. She spent years working in my dad’s office compiling catalogs for the Quarter Horse sales they traveled all over the country managing for different ranches, individuals and businesses. I always marveled at her stamina…..the long hours she worked, the fabulous meals she always prepared, the time set aside every single day for her devotions and prayer time, and the unconditional love she always had and gave us. Always. She waited years for grandchildren. When those days happened she was already at her sewing machine making blankets, matching outfits for the kids to wear, beautiful dresses for my daughter, hairbows for the girls and singing so many fun songs, teaching them funny poems and earning the title of the “funnest grandma ever” from my children. My children to this day loved her more than I could ever say. Sporting events, Concerts, Band Concerts, Graduations, etc. were never missed. She was always up for a phone conversation with them, up for listening intently and not being skeptical in the least to give her “input”, and her grandchildren knew they were covered with Grandma’s prayers every single morning. I’m so grateful they always knew they could share their burdens, their heartaches, their triumphs with Grandma – never to be judged, only advised, prayed for and loved. When the Great Grandbabies entered her world – WOW. She was on cloud 9 and was a phenomenal “RahRah” to them. Always a “RahRah chocolate” (Hershey’s Kiss) was in her pocket ready and waiting to give them. She suffered a severe stroke in 2005, and was told she would not return home, would not walk again, would not talk again and would live out her days in a home. I can recall the scene as if it were yesterday. She looked at the young doctor in the ER and said, “Young man you do not know me, and I’m wondering if you know the great God I serve. I will go home. I will walk & talk. I will continue to live alone and care for myself.”. And she most certainly did that very thing. Macular Degeneration robbed her of her sight soon after that, but like everything that seemed to be a negative thing in her life – she took it in stride and depended on the Lord and her faith 110%. I could only dream of having her positive outlook and her faith. She is survived by her daughter, Paula (Bimbo) Bivens – Grandchildren: Brianna (Jay) Karel, Braun (Hailey) Bivens, Brauc Jase Bivens, Cade Lancaster and Caitlyn Lancaster. Five Great Grandchildren: Brynlie Bivens, Hadlee Bivens, Jase Bivens, Beau Karel and Ryder Lancaster. Sister: Samme Ann Reed. Numerous nieces & nephews and a very dear friend, Carol Kalbfleisch. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thane – a son, Terry –grandson, Braeden Bivens -her parents, Sam and Faye Savage – two siblings, Zane Savage & Donna Savage Mitchell. Momma…..there are no words. My heart is beyond shattered and I feel completely lost. Our numerous road trips to Boise, our Starbuck coffee- people watching times, watching Jeopardy, our late night calls to just say “I love you and is everything ok”, our sharing & praying times, your beyond wise advise, your unconditional love my entire life, you always saying to me “I will pray for God’s will – not our will.”., the lunches after church on Sundays, the smell of your perfume…………..everything. I loved you with all of my heart, and I shall miss you more than words could ever express. I know Daddy and Terry were waiting for you. I know you can walk easily, have perfect vision and are singing in the Lord’s choir. How blessed I was that God gave me you to be my momma. Private Family Burial has been held at Sunset Memorial Park. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 1pm – Filer Nazarene Church COVID has changed many things in our world. Please feel free and comfortable to wear a mask and join us at her services.