NELLIE YOUNG HUNG CHUN-MING
81, of Independence, MO, and formally of Honolulu, HI, passed away surrounded by loving family on December 1, 2010, at Centerpoint Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Kenneth Keen Nam Chun-Ming. A memorial and life celebration service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2011, at Community of Christ New Walnut Park Congregation, 1137 S. Pearl Street, Independence, MO. All are invited to stay after to share in fellowship and a light meal of Chinese noodles. Written remembrances and photos of Nellie would be appreciated as keepsakes for her two granddaughters. Please mail to Nellie's family c/o P.O. Box 92, Ashland, MO 65010. Memorial contributions may be made to Outreach International, 129 W. Lexington, Independence, MO 64050. Nellie was born June 4, 1929, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Koon Sut and Kai (Ing) Chang. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Honolulu and went on to Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, where she received an Associate of Arts degree. She then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Kansas State University at Emporia and taught school in Missouri, Hawaii, and California. Nellie met Kenneth, also from Hawaii, at Graceland College. They married on December 29, 1950, at the Stone Church in Independence. Nellie and Kenneth lived in Independence until their return to Hawaii with their young daughters in 1961. Nellie supported Kenneth faithfully in his work as full-time minister for the RLDS Church from 1965 until his retirement in 1990. While under World Church appointment the family lived in Hawaii, California, and Japan. In addition to sharing the responsibilities of her husband's ministry, Nellie served as women's leader, church school teacher, and Girl Scout leader. During their 10 years in Tokyo, Japan, when Kenneth made extended trips abroad, Nellie maintained the home, taught English, and cultivated a deep appreciation for Japan's language, rich culture, and people. Upon returning to the United States in 1978, Nellie and Kenneth continued their dedication to Community of Christ, participating in local and World Church activities. Nellie became an ordained minister in October 2000. She worked as a substitute teacher and stayed active playing tennis, exercising (20-year member of the YMCA), volunteering for youth and community services, and keeping in close touch with family and friends. Her energetic lifestyle was an inspiration to both young and old. Everyone was welcome in her home, a unique expression of Chinese, Hawaiian, Japanese, and many other cultures. While she enjoyed visitors from around the world, she especially cherished spending time with her two granddaughters. Nellie missed Kenneth greatly after he passed in 2008, but did not waver in serving her church and community. Nellie is survived by two daughters, Nadine Cathey and her husband Dan of Albuquerque, NM, and Nanette Ward and her husband Craig of Ashland, MO; two granddaughters, Lauren Chun-Ming Cathey and Kai Lynn Chun-Ming Ward; sister Norma Lee and her husband Terrance, two aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews of Hawaii; and many other dearly loved family members. Nellie had a zest for life. She was known for her infectious smile, spirited personality, non-stop energy, sense of humor, candor, and never wasting time to offer help and friendship to others. She shared her life, love, and joy generously, ensuring that no one was forgotten or left out. Nellie will truly be missed. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900).
NELLIE YOUNG HUNG CHUN-MING
81, of Independence, MO, and formally of Honolulu, HI, passed away surrounded by loving family on December 1, 2010, at Centerpoint Medical Center. She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Kenneth Keen Nam Chun-Ming. A memorial and life celebration service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2011, at Community of Christ New Walnut Park Congregation, 1137 S. Pearl Street, Independence, MO. All are invited to stay after to share in fellowship and a light meal of Chinese noodles. Written remembrances and photos of Nellie would be appreciated as keepsakes for her two granddaughters. Please mail to Nellie's family c/o P.O. Box 92, Ashland, MO 65010. Memorial contributions may be made to Outreach International, 129 W. Lexington, Independence, MO 64050. Nellie was born June 4, 1929, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Koon Sut and Kai (Ing) Chang. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Honolulu and went on to Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, where she received an Associate of Arts degree. She then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Kansas State University at Emporia and taught school in Missouri, Hawaii, and California. Nellie met Kenneth, also from Hawaii, at Graceland College. They married on December 29, 1950, at the Stone Church in Independence. Nellie and Kenneth lived in Independence until their return to Hawaii with their young daughters in 1961. Nellie supported Kenneth faithfully in his work as full-time minister for the RLDS Church from 1965 until his retirement in 1990. While under World Church appointment the family lived in Hawaii, California, and Japan. In addition to sharing the responsibilities of her husband's ministry, Nellie served as women's leader, church school teacher, and Girl Scout leader. During their 10 years in Tokyo, Japan, when Kenneth made extended trips abroad, Nellie maintained the home, taught English, and cultivated a deep appreciation for Japan's language, rich culture, and people. Upon returning to the United States in 1978, Nellie and Kenneth continued their dedication to Community of Christ, participating in local and World Church activities. Nellie became an ordained minister in October 2000. She worked as a substitute teacher and stayed active playing tennis, exercising (20-year member of the YMCA), volunteering for youth and community services, and keeping in close touch with family and friends. Her energetic lifestyle was an inspiration to both young and old. Everyone was welcome in her home, a unique expression of Chinese, Hawaiian, Japanese, and many other cultures. While she enjoyed visitors from around the world, she especially cherished spending time with her two granddaughters. Nellie missed Kenneth greatly after he passed in 2008, but did not waver in serving her church and community. Nellie is survived by two daughters, Nadine Cathey and her husband Dan of Albuquerque, NM, and Nanette Ward and her husband Craig of Ashland, MO; two granddaughters, Lauren Chun-Ming Cathey and Kai Lynn Chun-Ming Ward; sister Norma Lee and her husband Terrance, two aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews of Hawaii; and many other dearly loved family members. Nellie had a zest for life. She was known for her infectious smile, spirited personality, non-stop energy, sense of humor, candor, and never wasting time to offer help and friendship to others. She shared her life, love, and joy generously, ensuring that no one was forgotten or left out. Nellie will truly be missed. Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com (Arrangements: Carson-Speaks Chapel 816-252-7900).Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
