Montezuma - Our mother and grandmother, Lorena Nightengale, was born on April 30, 1919 in McPherson County to Simon C. and Susie (Koehn) Wedel. She peacefully passed away on August 3, 2013 at her Bethel Home apartment, reaching the age of 94 years, which was three years to the day after her husband's passing in 2010.

The first ten years of her life were spent in McPherson County, Kansas, after which she, with her parents and brothers, moved to Haskell County, Kansas. She received her education at the Folsom Country School near her home in rural Haskell County. She grew up in a family with three brothers: John, Lacy and Eugene. They were a lively family and had many good times together.

When Lorena was 15 years old, she answered the call of God and was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Min. Ed Frank on May 18, 1934. She remained true and faithful to these vows until the end. We remember our mother as a woman of faith and prayer.

Mother was joined in marriage to Emil Nightengale on October 27, 1940, establishing their home in rural Haskell County. They shared life's joys and sorrows for almost 70 years. To this union were born five sons and one daughter. Our home was one that was happy and secure, filled with joy and love. Mom was a very devoted wife and
mother; having a servants' heart and putting others first. She enjoyed gardening and canning the fruit of her labors. Her life exemplified Proverbs 31, where it speaks of a virtuous woman. Her grandchildren were special to her and they remember her as someone who made them all feel special.

Left to cherish fond memories are six children: Denton Nightengale of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Roberta Unruh and husband Gerald of Hartley, Texas; Robert Nightengale and wife, Connie of Copeland; Henry Nightengale and wife Marietta of Sublette; Stanley Nightengale and wife Jo Ann of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and Mike Nightengale and wife Evangelyn of Copeland; two brothers, Eugene Wedel and wife Tillie of Montezuma and John Wedel of Brooksville, Mississippi; 16 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Lacy Wedel, and four great grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at Salem Mennonite Church, Copeland, on Friday, August 9, 2013 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Sam Unruh, Jr., Charles Nightengale, and Kelsey Unruh presiding. Burial will follow at Salem Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma on Thursday, August 8, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 and at Bethel Home in Montezuma from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home Health Care in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.