Nina M. Drainer

Nina M. Drainer, 80, of Jefferson City, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2017, at Capital Region Medical Center, Jefferson City. She was born on February 28, 1937, in Bowling Green, the daughter of Guy and Susie Nelson. On March 14, 1957, she was united in marriage in Bowling Green to John R. Drainer, who survives at the home. Nina was a member of Immaculate Conception of Jefferson City. Nina worked 22 years for Montgomery Wards and retired in 1995. She was her grandchildren's biggest cheerleader at their sporting and extra curricular events. She loved to watch Cardinals baseball, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Some of her pastimes included gardening, crocheting and traveling to reunions. Her biggest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved sharing great stories and memories from her childhood years to her times spent with close friends in the Navy. Nina is survived by her husband; daughter, Diane Irwin (Don); daughter, Dawn Stegeman (Roger) of Jefferson City; and son, Bob Drainer (Kim) of Wardsville; six grandchildren: CAPT Cole Stegeman (Sarah) of RAF Lakenheath, England; Taylor Stegeman, Lexi Stegeman, and Kyle Irwin of Jefferson City; Carson Drainer and Elizabeth Drainer of Wardsville; and a brother, Fred Nelson (Mary) of Vandalia. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Ivan Nelson, Gale Nelson, and Glen Nelson; and two sisters, Vera Orf and Lucy Skillman. Family will receive friends at Sacred Heart Church, Vandalia, on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, from 9 a.m. - 10 a.m. and service will follow at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Vandalia Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Dr. Tamara Hopkins Patient Assistance Program and Immaculate Conception Church in Jefferson City. Arrangements are under the direction of Waters Funeral Home, Vandalia.