Nanette "Nan" Chenoweth (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Nannette Chenoweth, the youngest of nine children born to Edward and Lena Mae Lewis Chenoweth, passed away peacefully in Lebanon, Missouri, where she lived with her sister and guardian, Pamela May Fenton.
Born in Colorado, Nannette spent her life surrounded by a large and loving family. She was known for her fun-loving spirit and boundless energy. Her bright presence brought joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
Nannette is preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Lena Chenoweth. She is survived by her siblings: Wade Chenoweth, Charles Chenoweth, Pam Fenton, Lynn Jackson, Tammy Edin, Joe Chenoweth, Ora Queen, and Daniel Chenoweth; their spouses, who loved her dearly; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will remember her with love.
As the youngest of nine siblings, Nan may have been small in stature, but her presence was mighty. She was a spark of dynamite—full of energy, mischief, and warmth. Once you met her, you never forgot her.
Nan lived with Down syndrome, but that was merely one aspect of her identity. What truly defined her was her indomitable spirit and zest for life. She lit up every room with her laughter and her love for life's simple pleasures. She adored dancing, listening to music, and had an unwavering affection for Elvis Presley. In her younger days, Nan often shared her dream of marrying Elvis and having two children—a dream so vivid and heartfelt, it became a cherished part of who she was, her story.
Her passions extended to horseback riding. She loved riding horses, she loved music, and she absolutely loved good food. Leave her unattended at a "surf and turf" dinner, and you could count on there being no leftovers. While she preferred to eat over cooking, she always helped with cleanup—filling and emptying the dishwasher was her job, and she took it seriously, so don't interfere! Nan enjoyed every bite, every song, and every moment. She also loved indulging in a glass of wine or a cold beer now and then—always with a smile that said she knew exactly how to enjoy life.
Nan enjoyed crafting throughout her life; she made beaded necklaces, often gifting them to family and friends or stuffing drawers and boxes with her creations.
Nan had a special bond with babies. Her nurturing nature shone through as she held, cuddled, and cared for them. She was a comforting presence in the lives of her nieces and nephews, offering love, gentleness, and joy. In addition, Nan adored her Chihuahua pups and was a devoted and loving dog mom.
Her relationship with her brother-in-law, Eugene, was a testament to her playful and adventurous spirit. Together, they were partners in mischief—sneaking off to buffets, embarking on scavenger hunts for day-old pastries, and sharing countless laughs. One memorable incident involved Eugene getting stuck in a dumpster while Nan stood outside, giggling uncontrollably—a story that continues to bring smiles to our faces.
Nan was delightfully ornery, with a stubborn streak and a penchant for practical jokes. Her mischievous glint often gave her away, just a moment too late. She loved to get your attention with a cheerful "You who!" while beckoning you with her finger. If you weren't paying attention, you might find yourself on the receiving end of a playful pinch or a swat on the backside if you happened to bend over. It was all in good fun, a testament to her spirited personality. She had a mischievous sense of humor, and nothing delighted her more than watching someone else get into a bit of trouble—especially if it wasn’t her. She’d burst into laughter when someone got caught sneaking a snack or bending the rules, clearly enjoying the moment with pure, innocent glee. And if she sensed something was supposed to be a secret? You could count on her to lean in with a sly grin and say, “I tell on you.” It wasn’t mean-spirited—it was just Nan being Nan: playful, sharp, and always ready to stir the pot just enough to keep everyone laughing.
Nan and her sister Pam shared a deep bond, often embarking on road trips across Texas and Missouri. Nan, the perfect backseat driver, would quietly take in the scenery, her peaceful smile enhancing every journey. These trips were less about the destinations and more about the shared experiences and companionship. In her later years, Nan resided in a nursing home, and eventually in memory care. Throughout, Pam remained her steadfast guardian and companion, embodying the essence of familial love and dedication.
More than anything, Nan was a teacher—not in a traditional classroom, but through the way she enjoyed life and gave love. She taught us to lead with love, to be unapologetically ourselves, to laugh, enjoy the small things, and dance with abandon.
Today, we don't say goodbye to Nan, for her essence remains with us—in the stories we share, the laughter she inspired, and the songs that remind us of her. Her legacy is one of joy, love, and the celebration of life's beautiful imperfections.
Let us remember Nan dancing, singing, dreaming of Elvis, savoring every bite of her favorite meals, and teasing us with that unmistakable sparkle in her eye. May we carry a piece of her spirit with us—in our laughter, our love, and the way we embrace life.
We love you, Nan. Thank you for being you.
“What we once have enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.”
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