Della Mae (Fanning) Trimble, 88, was called to her Heavenly Home by the Lord on March 14, 2023.
Della was born July 27, 1934, at home in Tuthill, South Dakota to Cecil and Frances (Mone) Fanning. Della was the oldest of 4 girls; Wilma, Verla, and Zona. She spent her childhood on the family ranch just south of Vetal, South Dakota. It was her that she fell in love with the Midwest and Sandhills; often reminiscing about riding a horse to the England School, with her lunch packed in a tin lard bucket.
Della graduated from Bennett County High School (Martin, SD) in May 1952. On June 1, 1952 Della married the love of her life: Roy C. Trimble in Gordon, Nebraska. Immediately after the couple would make their first of several moves away from the Sandhills to Wellfleet, Massachusetts. After completing his duty of our country, they returned to the Midwest to be closer to family and the Sandhills which she dearly loved.
Della worked various jobs throughout her life including a brief stint in a curtain factory and waitressing at Bressler’s Diner while Roy was in the service. Ultimately, Della chose to stay home with her 5 beautiful children; Janet, Kenneth, Michael, Scott, and Robyn.
Family and Church Community were always her passion and priority. She began teaching Children’s Church and Vacation Bible School at the age of 12 and continued; a tradition that she continued until her health no longer allowed. Her ministries extended beyond church. Della was passionate about working with children through Christian Ministries. She was instrumental in starting the Good News Club for children during her time spent in Cottage Grove, Oregon.
Della had many interest and hobbies that brought her joy including gardening, birdwatching, quilting and crafting. She was a member of several groups and local clubs including RSVP, Quilters Guild, Sheridan County Historical Society, Women’s Extension and Missionary Society, Rose’s Wednesday Craft, Security Gold Events and Travel, Wesleyan Women’s International and many more through the years.
Della spent her final years in Alliance, Nebraska, in the care of her lovingly family and friends. Despite her declining health, one thing that never changed for Della was her Sweet Tooth. She eagerly looked forward to the sweet treats and time spent with her friend, cookie companion and Great Granddaughter Aubrey Mae Clark.
She is survived by her brother-in-law Larry May of Interior, South Dakota and her children: Janet Loomis, Alliance, NE, Angelina Trimble (daughter-in-law), Alliance, NE, Michael (Candace) Trimble, Meadow Grove, NE, Scott Trimble, Glendale, Arizona, Robyn (Gerald) Sandoz, Phoenix, Arizona. Grandchildren: Jeremy Gardner, Joshua Johnson, Brittany Johnson, Cassidy Hoffmann, Jamie Trimble, Samantha Gilmore, Nicholas Trimble, Immanuel Requejo, Elizabeth Lewis, Michael Trimble, Harley Trimble, Journee Trimble, William Trimble, Ashley Trimble, Megan Trimble, Jordan Sandoz, Gina Lowe, Andrew Sandoz, and Rachael Sandoz. Many Great and Great-Great Grandchildren along with a host of friends and loved ones too numerous to count but fondly thought of.
She will be greeted into the loving arms of those that passed before her death. Della was preceded in death by her parents Cecil and Frances Fanning, husband of 47 years, Roy Trimble, In-laws: William and Katie (Mayden) Trimble, Sisters: Wilma Fanning, Verla Ninas and Zona May, In-laws: Earl and Twila (Collins) Trimble, Leo and Joann (Trimble) Petzold, Doug and Joyce (Trimble) Deffenbaugh, Bobby and Mary Trimble, Rodney Trimble, Charles Trimble, Son: Kenneth Trimble, Daughter-in-law Debi Trimble, Granddaughter: Kirstin Gardner, Grandson: Dennis Requejo, Nephews: Bobby Trimble, Marvin Trimble, Fred Allabaugh, Mark Ness, Nieces: Connie Jamison and Linda Eli.
Funeral Services will be held Friday March 24, 2023, 2:00 PM at the Wellspring Chapel (formerly Wesleyan Gospel Chapel) in Gordon, NE, with Pastor Jason Hurd officiating. Interment will be at the Gordon Cemetery. Following there will be a fitting tribute of afternoon refreshments and cookies at the Wellspring Church. Many were often reminded by Della, “Cookies, I Like Cookies!”.
Memorials may be given to place a memorial bench along the Cowboy Trail, in Roy and Della’s honor or to a charity or organization of the Donor’s choice and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.