Obituary of Nadine Schmidt Railsback
Nadine “Pnut” Schmidt Railsback, 90, passed away peacefully in Whittier, CA on April 23, 2017. Born on April 18, 1927 in Wellsburg, Iowa, Nadine was born to parents Richard (Dick) & Vina (Kalkwarf) Schmidt. She was married to Guy Fletcher Railsback on January 18, 1947 and together they had three sons, Craig, Lance and Scott. Her life on earth will be missed, but her reception in heaven is celebrated by her family.
Nadine spent her youth growing up in Iowa. She got the nickname P’nut from her father who at her birth said that because she fit in the palm of his hand, she was no bigger than a peanut! She attended schools in Wellsburg where she played forward on the girls 6 on 6 basketball team. She graduated from high school in 1944 and at the age 18, travelled by herself to California to begin her new life as an adult. She worked as a secretary for Baker Oil Tools. Only two years after moving to California, she married her husband, Guy Railsback. Early on in their marriage she and Guy lived in Pico Rivera before finally moving to Whittier. She became a homemaker where she was a treasured wife and loving mother.
Many interests and activities kept Nadine busy: she worshipped at Trinity Lutheran Church in Whittier for many years; was an active member at Candlewood Country Club in Whittier where she honed her skills as an excellent golfer; a lifetime member of the Whittier Emblem Club, and a member and advisor for numerous private and public committees. In addition to her involvements in the community, Nadine was a champion bowler, a tenacious card player and was very competitive in all things, loving all sports in general.
Her family remembers Nadine as an excellent cook, just like her mother, Vina. Dick, the family’s father died at an early age, the youngest of the children, Rich was just 11 years old. After Rich graduated from Wellsburg High School, Nadine and Guy took him into their home and family and later became his guardian so he could attend Los Angeles Junior College.
Nadine is survived by her brother, Richard; her three sons, Craig (Sheryl), Lance (Nancy), Scott (Vicki) and their wives; four grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings, Bill Schmidt, Louise Ross, Betty Senning, and Elaine Lindaman.
Graveside memorial services will be held at 11am Saturday, November 11, 2017, at the Wellsburg Reformed Church Cemetery in Wellsburg. To share a thought, memory or condolence with her family please go to the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.
