Nadine Bernice Boyd aka "Nicky," was born in her grandparents' home on her father's birthday on August 15, 1931 to John Peter and Pauline Ressler.  She was the youngest of four children and the only girl.  She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Alfred, a victim of World War II, her brother Chester Howard, a Veteran, her brother Raymond John, her son-in-law George Stillman, nephews Clinton Ressler and Michael Ressler, and two nieces Jeanette Browning and Rosemary Jones.  She joined her husband, Elmer, in the arms of her Lord on October 17, 2024.

She is survived by her children Eldine Stillman, Karen Fish and her husband Joe, Diane Niswander, and her husband Dan, Dan Boyd and his wife Linda. Her grandchildren Joe Fish, Jr. and his wife Leanne, Shane Wagers and his wife Tracee, Luke Fish and his wife Candace, Kendra Wagers, Ryan Wagers and his wife Jessica, Jason Niswander and his wife Sherri, Jacob Boyd, Amy Gonzales and her husband Erik, Andrew Stillman and Meghan Boyd.  Her great-grandchildren Alexis Fish, Dillon Fish, Nathaniel Fish, Carson Fish, Jonathan Fish, Brody Fish, Elijah Fish, Seth Fish, Johnny Wagers, Austin Gonzales, Jordyn Wagers, and Brooklyn Gonzales.

She married her childhood sweetheart on June 17, 1950 and they were blessed with four children.  After Elmer lost an eye to cancer, they decided she should go back to school to become a teacher.  With the assistance of her parents providing child care, she went to college but took a break between her third and fourth years to give birth to her only son.  After completing her education, she accepted a job as a long-term substitute at Clovis Unified School District which became the first step in her long teaching career.  Her educational career expanded thirty-one years both within the classroom and in an Administrative capacity ultimately obtaining her Master's Degree in August, 1977.

Her teaching experience expanded outside of the classroom.  She and her good friend, Ellis Vance, directed several musicals in addition to her directing the school chorus.  Some of her proudest moments after retirement was to encounter former students or parents who would not only recognize her, but thank her for the experience they or their child had experienced within her classroom.  Every Friday when her students would depart her classroom she would give them a hug…one student told her he got more hugs from her than he did his father, which made her proud and sad simultaneously.

She and her husband, Elmer, joined Trinity Lutheran Church in 1958.  During their membership she sang in the choir, served on the Council in several capacities, organized the meals after funerals, and participated in the WELCA Fellowship.  Her strong faith was a constant inspiration to family.  Her favorite two questions when encountering new people was "where did you go to school," and "are you a Christian." She knew God kept her here on Earth to provide her with the opportunity to share her faith and His Word.

Her children were extremely grateful for the total support she and Dad provided whether it be attending football games due to their children's participation in the band, walking alongside the band during a parade, traveling to choir events, Vocational Industrial Clubs of America or the multitude of events their grandchildren were involved in, whether it be soccer, water polo, baseball, football, or choir, she and her husband did their best to be present whenever possible.

She absolutely LOVED babies, and was always over the moon when a new family member arrived and she had the opportunity to provide care for that new life.  She will ALWAYS be remembered as the positive example to be followed, the stoic proud woman who's light will continue to shine beyond her years here on Earth.

We thank God for this saint of the Church and the many memories created within her midst.

Remembrances may be made to:

Trinity Lutheran Church
3973 N. Cedar Avenue, Fresno, CA 93726

Bristol Hospice
2787 W. Bullard Avenue, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93711