Obituary for Doris Nesselrode

Doris Nesselrode

November 8, 1935 – March 14, 2019

Doris Nadine Smith Nesselrode, age 83, longtime resident of Ponca City, passed away Thursday March 14, 2019 at her home..

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at the funeral home from 4-8pm Saturday, March 16, and from 1-8pm on Sunday, March 17, with the family present to greet friends on Sunday from 2-4pm. A funeral ceremony to celebrate her precious life will be held at 2pm Monday, March 18, 2019 at Woodlands Christian Church with Russell Hughes officiating. Following the ceremony, Doris will be laid to rest next to her daughter Rhonda at Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City.

Doris was born on November 8, 1935, to Festus Lane Smith and Florence Lillian “Lil” Gibson Smith in Sapulpa, OK. She was raised in the Sapulpa area before moving with her parents to Lamont when she was in the ninth grade. During high school, she played on the ladies basketball team in addition to serving as the High School Band Drum Major during her senior year. Doris graduated from Lamont High School in 1953. Shortly thereafter, Doris married her lifelong sweetheart Robert G. Nesselrode on July 26, 1953 at the First Christian Church in Lamont. They made their life in Lamont for a while before moving to Ponca City in 1957. The family grew quickly with their daughter Rhonda joining them two years after their marriage. Karl was born two years later. Then eight years later, Sally was born and then after another eight years, Robert arrived. She was overjoyed to be a mother and later a grandmother, devoting herself to them. Their lives were her greatest interests. As others asked about her family, she beamed in pride to tell their accomplishments. However, it wasn’t just motherly doting. It was the results of her encouraging them to step outside their comfort zone to make things happen. Nothing brought more joy to Doris than being with her family. Doris’s kind, strong will was a benefit to many as she sought ways to help others in their needs. Woodlands Christian Church has been her church home for many years during which she has served in numerous capacities to make others feel warm, welcomed, and loved.

Doris had a gifted ear for music. She was able to hear a song and quickly pick out the tune on the piano. Her music has been a valuable part of the community. By sharing music with her church, playing for the Governor’s Ball, and at the former P.C. Townsite restaurant in addition to many other times, Doris has provided pleasant sounds accompanying many events in the area. Others’ music weren’t the only tunes Doris played. In 1978, she recorded some of her own songs on an album called “Take Time”. Some of those same songs will be a part of her ceremony.

Survivors include her beloved husband Bob Nesselrode of the home, adored children: Karl Nesselrode and wife Jennifer of Houston, TX, Sally Berger and husband Fred of Rensselaer, IN, Dr. Robert Nesselrode and wife Tracy of Edmond, OK, cherished sister: Marcella Goetzel of Harper, TX, treasured grandchildren: Sean Nesselrode of Providence, RI, Kate Nesselrode of San Francisco, CA, Abby Nesselrode of Edmond, OK, Hailey Nesselrode of Edmond, OK, Kira Nesselrode of Houston, TX, and Kevin Nesselrode of Houston, TX, dear nephew and niece Dwayne Goetzel of Austin, TX and Brenda Sutter of Switzerland.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Rhonda.

Memorial donations in Doris’s name may be made to the Opportunity Center, 2225 N. Union St., Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home