Nelda Propst

Nelda Jean Propst, 80, of Millersville passed away Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Jackson Manor Nursing Home, where she had resided since 2005.

She was born Aug. 17, 1927, in Millersville to Chester and Maude Nienstedt Hopkins. Sadly, when Nelda Jean was only 10 months old, her mother died. She was adopted by her paternal aunt, Dora Hopkins-Runnels, and her husband Early. She and Ray Propst were married May 12, 1945, at Flat River, Mo. He passed away Feb. 23, 1998.

Nelda Jean attended grade school in Millersville and was a 1945 graduate of Oak Ridge High School.

She and Ray owned and operated the family farm near Millersville. She was a lifelong member of Millersville United Methodist Church, an active member of United Methodist Women and Millersville Homemakers Club, and was a former leader of Millersville 4-H Club.

Nelda's surviving family includes her loving daughters, Debra Jean (John) Monroe and Emma Lou Propst, who both reside on the family farm near Millersville; four grandchildren, Bridget Barker and Jessica Barker-Freeman of Cape Girardeau, Lindsey Barker and Joey Barker of Millersville; two stepgranddaughters, Heather Monroe and Courtney Monroe of St. Louis; two great-grandchildren, Gage and Dawson Freeman; a half brother, Loral (Barbara) Hopkins of Millersville; and a sister-in-law, Ilinda Hopkins of Millersville.

Ray's surviving siblings include Hansel E. (Leona) Propst of San Antonio, Dewey D. (Pat) Propst of Fenton, Mo., and Verla J. (the late Howard) Crites of Marble Hill, Mo.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a half brother, Lynn Hopkins; a young brother, Joel Hopkins; an infant half brother; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edward and Louise Propst.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Craig Petzoldt officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

Memorials are suggested to Millersville United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.

Sympathy messages and a memorial DVD are available on-line at www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.