Nelda Strange

Feb 5, 1929 -

June 24, 2020

Nelda D. "Ned" Strange, 91, died on June 24, 2020, at home, surrounded by her loving daughters and their families. Ned's favorite scripture was Philippians 4:8: "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on these things." Her life was truly a reflection of this.

At age 9 she was invited to join the children's choir at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster, Pa. She continued to sing in the adult choir as well as the special, descant choir. She spent her summers at Camp Nawakwa as a camper and later as a counselor.

During her senior year in high school, Ned started working for Leonard Mirsky, DVM, and his wife, Ruth. Ned graduated from Lancaster Country Day School in 1947. She attended Simmons College and Drexel University and pursued a degree in science with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. In 1955, she joined the Air Force and soon met Thomas R. Strange, whom she married in 1956. Ned was honorably discharged in August 1956 due to pregnancy, and she gave birth to a son in February 1957. Eight years later Ned and Thomas welcomed twin girls.

In 1968, the family was transferred to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska. They joined St. Mary's Episcopal Church Anchorage, and formed lifelong friendships with the other members.

Ned enjoyed the Mothers of Twins Club and quickly developed a love of volunteering. At St. Mary's she served on the Altar Guild; helped in the pledge office; took communion to the homebound; volunteered with F.I.S.H, including the annual golf tournament fundraiser; and served in Stephen Ministry. In the Anchorage community Ned was a Girl Scout leader, served meals at Bean's Cafe, volunteered in the libraries at Willow Crest and Polaris K-12 schools, drove people to church and to appointments and read for radio reading services for the blind.

Ned started working in the public library system in 1977 and was Senior Library Associate when she retired in 1994. She spent her retirement enjoying her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She continued to volunteer until a stroke in 2014.

Ned had many interests. She was an avid reader, was fluent in three languages and studied sign language, Greek and Hebrew for enrichment. She also enjoyed crossword puzzles, fishing at Tutka Bay, lunches with her friend Candy, dinners with "the boys" Will and Bill and genealogy with her daughter Sally.

Ned always had a smile for everyone, loved well and was a joy to all who had the honor of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas R. Strange; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Charles Stauffer; and niece, Sally Stauffer.

She is survived by her son, Sam Strange; twin daughters, Sally (Tom) Ruggles and Fran (Rick) Brink; grandchildren, Karly and Shane Ruggles, Codi (Aaron) Armstrong, Logan Brink, Anna (Bryan) Rieffer, Thomas (April) Strange and Christina (Billy) Rodgers; great-grandchildren, Jack and Camden Armstrong, Henry and Benjamin Rieffer, Kendall and Bentlee Rodgers, and Bella, Lilah, Sam and Danny Strange; as well as her very beloved cat, Quilty.