Nellie Slaven

Nellie Kathleen Slaven, 88, of Monterey, passed away, Thursday, July 12, 2012 at her home.

She was born May 23, 1924 in Hightown, a daughter of the late Roy Bernard and Mabel Clara Wimer Slaven.

She was employed by the U.S. government and worked at Olmsted Air Force Base in Middletown, Pa. After the base closed, she was transferred to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. During her career, she received many prestigious awards for a job well done. Due to a back injury, she was forced to retire in 1975.

She was a member of Pisgah Presbyterian Church. She had a very busy social life, traveling and was always there for anyone who needed help. She returned to Hightown and spent hours researching the family history and was able to meet many relatives through this special interest. She was instrumental in honoring the veterans of the Korean Conflict and Viet Nam War in Highland County. She spent hours raising money to honor these brave soldiers for a job well done and much deserved. The beautiful bronze plaque with the names of these brave men was hung on the wall of the Highland County Courthouse. She had also written a cookbook, which will be available soon.

She is survived by three sisters, Isabel S. Lawhorn of Staunton, Violet S. Botkin of Churchville and Frances S. Findley of San Antonio, Texas; a very special dear friend and companion, Keith Simmons of Monterey; several nieces and nephews, Anne C. Martz, Kathy C. Steffey, Bruce S. Botkin, Judith B. Hanger, Michael E. Rexrode, Loren G. Simmons and Randall S. Condran.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Laura S. Coggin, Mildred S. Simmons and Bonnie M. Slaven; five brothers-inlaw, Alfred Simmons, Charles F. Condran, John F. Findley, Leonard P. Coggin and Ashby Rexrode; and a nephew, Rodney A. Rexrode.

She was a direct descendant of John Slaven of Ireland and Elizabeth Stuart of Scotland and was the last descendant bearing the Slaven name in Highland County.

Her nephew, Loran, has so much love and respect for her, as she was always there for him during his troubled years after losing his parents, grandparents and other close relatives within a very short time. Her sister, Frances, will always be grateful to her for giving her the opportunity to have a great career. When Frances graduated from high school, Nellie took her to Middletown, Pa., where she was working. Nellie supported her until Frances was able to get a job with the government.

A funeral service was conducted 11 a.m., Saturday, July 14, at Obaugh Funeral Home with the Rev. C. William “Bill” Cox and the Rev. Richard Gibson officiating.

Burial followed in Monterey Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Charles Simmons, Herold Salmon, Bruce Botkin, Ben, Holmes and Jim Stephenson.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Pisgah Presbyterian Church, c/o Debbie Stephenson, P.O. Box 38, Monterey, Va. 24465.