Nadine (Costner) Smith

Nadine Costner Smith, 86, of Allendale, IL, passed away Thursday, June 9, 2016 at her home on Sugar Tree Ranch.

            She was born Wednesday, June 12, 1929 in Chaves County, New Mexico the youngest daughter of David Augustus (Gus) and Ruby (Price) Costner. She married Duane McCrary Smith May 18, 1957 at Pleasant Grove Church in Lancaster, IL. He preceded her in death on July 27, 2009.

            Nadine was a member of Allendale United Methodist Church. She graduated from the College of the Sequoias in California with a Teachers Certificate. She worked as a teacher in California and Illinois. She retired as the Director of the Bauer Media Center at Wabash Valley College. While at WVC she started many new programs; English as a Second Language, GED program, computer lab and student tutor program.

            Left to cherish her memories are two daughters, Laura Trimble of Lancaster, IL and Lois (Jeff) Hill of Princeton, IN; son, Mark (Becky) Smith of Findlay, OH; five grandchildren, Alexander Hill, Ashley Smith, Liana Hill, Daniel Trimble, and Jared Smith; and her best friend and sister, Audrey Dooley of Visalia, CA.

            Nadine enjoyed reading, helping others further their education, serving the community and family genealogy. As a teenager, she was a WW II Airplane spotter in California. She had a love of the outdoors, birds, flowers and fauna.

            She was a 4-H leader for over 10 years, a member of the Allendale School Board, a member of the National Association of Professional Women, California and Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Young Farmers and American International Charolais Association.

            She was an awesome Mom, Wife, and Grandma; “Grandmother” to so many, always finding time to spend with and encourage others.  She enjoyed working with young people participating in the International Farm Youth Exchange to Ireland. She loved the family trips to California and mountains of the High Sierra. She also enjoyed trips to national parks, Mexico and historical places.

            “For every one of us that succeeds it is because there’s somebody to show you the way.” Nadine dedicated her life to inspire others to better themselves and enrich their lives through education.

            Preceding her in death were her parents; husband of 52 years, Duane; and grandson, Michael Aaron Trimble.

            Visitation will be Thursday, June 16, 2016 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Short Funeral Home, 527 N Mulberry St., Mt. Carmel, IL.

Funeral Service will be Friday, June 17, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Short Funeral Home. She will be buried in Highland Memorial Cemetery in Mt. Carmel next to her husband.

            In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Allendale First Responders, 404 E Main St., Allendale, 62410 or Wabash Valley College Foundation in Honor of Nadine C. Smith, 2200 College Drive, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

            Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Nadine’s family.

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