Carmelita M. Nash

Carmelita Mae Nash, 81 of Pekin passed away at 2:47 am, Thursday, June 8, 2023 at her home with family by her side. She was born to Pete & Sallie Mae (Williams) Conover on January 16, 1942 in Casa Grande, AZ. She married Kenneth L. Nash in St. Louis on February 17, 1963. He preceded her in death on April 14, 1994. Carma was also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Lita Sanchez; two sisters, Barb Frye and Sherry Conover; and two brothers, Robin Conover, and Dennis Conover. She is survived by; one daughter, Lorretta (James) Fernandez of Pekin; three grandchildren, Lisa Fernandez of Pekin, Joseph (Renea) Fernandez of Toledo, and Amanda (Brian) Beck of Glenview; three great-grandchildren, Kennedie Fernandez, Serenity Fernandez, and Myles Beck; one brother, Jim (Judie) Conover of Pekin; one sister, Linda Jones of Lincoln; and two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Conover and Tammie Jo Conover, both of Pekin. As a young woman, Carma worked as a supervisor at the Brown Shoe Company and as a bus monitor for the city of St. Louis. In her later years, she worked as a bus monitor for the City of Pekin. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved bird watching. She enjoyed traveling with Ken, and fishing and enjoyed pulling the arm on a few slot machines over her lifetime. She considered herself an actress, having been cast in The Showdown directed by her brother. All who knew Carma knew that she was happiest when surrounded by family, especially the kids. Her funeral will be held at 12:00 pm, Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory, 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin, IL with Associate Pastor Colton Conover as the officiant. A visitation will be held two hours prior from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Additional services will be at 11:15 am, Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO. Memorials may be made in Carmas name to; Alzheimers Association Illinois Chapter, 2200 Cabot Drive, Suite 460, Lisle, IL 60532. Graveside Service Tuesday, June 20, 2023 11:15 AM Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery St Louis,MO Funeral Service Saturday, June 17, 2023 12:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Saturday, June 17, 2023 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554