On Dec. 24 2022, the world lost a beloved mother,
grand, great-grand and great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt and
friend. Nina Wellmaker, 90 of Lakin, spread her wings and is now in
the presence of God.
She was born to the late William Walker Dillon and Nila (Coulter)
Dillon on May 12, 1932. Nina was the ninth child in a family of 11
children.
On May 28, 1950, she married the late Joe Wellmaker and began a
family of six children: Calvin Wellmaker of Lakin, Norma Unruh of
Shepherdstown, W.V., Larrall Wellmaker (deceased), Troy Wellmaker of
Kindom, Wyo., Becky (Bill) Brouhard of Andover, and Jimmy Wellmaker
of Lakin.
One of Nina's passions was rock hunting. A passion that was shared
with many members of her family and friends. Nina could spend hours on
the top of a wind-swept hill hunting for arrowheads. If she wasn't rock
hunting, she was either playing golf, bowling or playing cards with her
Bridge club.
Over the years Nina hand-stitched many quilts that are treasured by
her children and grandchildren. She was a very good artist, and in 2016
she was the first person to win the annual Barn Quilt Exhibit at the Kansas State Fair. Her quilt is on permanent display at the fairgrounds.
Nina worked for Tate Ranch Headquarters as a bookkeeper until her
retirement in 1997. She was an active member in the Lakin community and a
much-loved member of the Church of Christ. She donated her time by
helping out at the Budget Shop and she enjoyed socializing at dinners
and playing Bingo at the Kearny County Senior Center.
Living brothers and sisters include Veda Taylor of Hugoton,
William Walker Dillon Jr. (Billy) of Walsh, Colo., Darlene Symes of Lakin, Retta Blodgett of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Gerald Lynn Dillon of
Grand Junction, Colo. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren Charla
Peaks, Nick Wellmaker, Chris Hazelton, Stephanie Hazelton, Heather
Zaldana, Tamara Rodgers, Tyrell Wellmaker, Andrea Keenan, Corrina
Guerrero and Jericho Wellmaker; 18 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchidlren.
Preceding her in death are her parents: William
Walker Dillon and Nila Dillon; three sisters: Marie Houser, Zella
Westerman and Violet Hickey; and two brothers: RL and Eugene Dillon.
Her husband of 49 years, Joe Wellmaker died in 1999, and a son,
Larrall Wellmaker, died in 2015.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 30,
2022, at the Lakin United Methodist Church in Lakin with Rev.
Brian Loy officiating.
Burial will follow at the Lakin Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Garnand Funeral Home in Lakin.
The family suggests memorials given to the Lakin Golf Course, the Kearny County Senior Center or the American Heart Association, all in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 91, Lakin, KS 67860.
Condolences may be given at garnandfuneralhomes.com.