Lila Nadine Gindhart

December 27, 1934 - October 27, 2026

Nadine was born to Eva Mae and Kenneth Bellows on December 27, 1934, in Albany, Oregon. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Richard of Eugene, A sister, Marie Chartraw of Bend, Oregon. Daughters Cheryl Pinnock of Florence, Carol Sarault of Mapleton, and Laurie Wissman of Eugene. She was proceeded in death by her parents, a daughter, Sandra Yoder and sisters Winifred Bevins, Charlotte Randolph and a brother Norman Kyburzs. She is survived by 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

Nadine started her working life as a telephone operator in Albany, Oregon. She married Elmer Yoder and had Sandra and Cheryl. They divorced in 1963. She moved to Florence and married Steven Ellis and had Carol and Laurie. They divorced in 1983. Nadine drove school bus for the Siuslaw School District for 18 years.

In her early adult life, Nadine was an accomplished motorcycle rider and won several cross-country bike races. She encouraged her girls to become good riders and enhanced their bond and love with them.

Nadine loved gardening and became enamored in growing Orchids. Starting with a small greenhouse in Florence, her collection grew and the fever of being the best as a grower captured her. She Married Richard Gindhart in 1984 in Florence. Nadine and Richard built a new house and greenhouse overlooking the Siuslaw bay and enjoyed living there until Richard's job required them to move to Eugene. Nadine retired from driving school buses. This required a new greenhouse to house the reasonable size orchid collection.

The first greenhouse lasted about six years, until it became to small and required a larger one. The new greenhouse was spacious but rapidly became filled. Nadine's pride and joy. She spent many waking hours on her collection and enjoyed their company. She joined the American Orchid Society and belonged to the Eugene, Corvallis and Salem Orchid Clubs. Nadine studied and became a certified American Orchid society judge associated with Pacific Northwest sector and traveled to Orchid shows though the United States, Canada and South America. Her collection exceeded 1500 plants of which she won many awards. Richard's job took him to many different countries and Nadine accompanied him to England, Scotland, France, and Australia.

After retiring from bus driving Nadine took up oil painting and produced many memorable paintings that decorated her home.

Nadine belonged to the Albany Assembly of God Church, The Florence Assembly of God, and attended the Neighborhood Assembly of God church while living in Eugene. No Service is planned. The family will memorialize her life at a later date.