Tributes

Lord lead me to your light.... that I may be light. Shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of God. Philippians 2:15-16 Little Mommy, Mother, Grandbopper, Aunt Nell, Friend, Elizabeth "Nell" Ogden DePanfilis, 89, went to her loving Lord on February 12, 2016 exemplifying a life well lived and loved. Nell was born to Carl and Nellie Feltnor Ogden and grew up on the family farm in the Canadian River bottom farm land of Eufaula, Oklahoma. While attending Northeastern State University in Oklahoma, this farm girl was involved in band, debate, and Sigma Sigma Sigma Fraternity, etc. After graduating with honors, her zeal for adventure lead her to accept a teaching position in Vancouver, Washington then to Fort Sherman, a former U.S. Army Base in Panama. It was there she met a handsome Army captain and WWII vet, named Louis "Gino" DePanfilis, providing her change for the jukebox. This simple encounter turned into a lifetime romance. After the service, Nell married her beau in 1954. As babies Nick and Cindy came along, Nell was a nurturing mother and homemaker. During this time she continued her love of teaching, serving as a substitute teacher for many years in San Antonio and Houston. Nell was also passionate about teaching children about God, teaching Sunday School for 35 years at Colonial Hills United Methodist, Cypress Trails Methodist Spring, Texas and University United Methodist. One of the churches recognized her as "Teacher of the Month," stating, "Nell teaches children about God in such an exciting way that they can't wait for the next Sunday to come!" She was a long time member of Womens' Bible Study Groups and loved serving in ministries like Meals on Wheels and tutoring through Oasis. Nell was a loving encourager to the more than 63 nieces and nephews spanning five generations who called her "Aunt Nell" and to the grandkids she was fun loving "Grandbopper." She was known for her zany side – making crazy sandwiches, having a way with words, and doing fun things like greeting special visitors to the house by banging pie tins together. Family and friends will mostly remember Nell's passion for people and life. She always showed unconditional love both in life and in her faith. Nell little mommy will be sorely missed by her son Nick DePanfilis of Plano, Texas; daughter Cynthia Himstedt and husband William of San Antonio; grandchildren Dylan, Jackson and Julia DePanfilis, as well as many relatives and friends, who lovingly called her "Little Mommy." Graveside services will be held Thursday February 25, 2016 at 1pm at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Family will receive visitors for a celebration of her grand life immediately following the service at 10406 Steuben, SA Texas 78230.

Tributes

Elizabeth "Nell" Ogden DePanfilis

September 1, 1926 - February 12, 2016