Nettie Blanche Hansen

Nettie Blanche Hansen, the youngest of eight children, was born on October 13, 1936 to Walter and Nettie Jensen of Ashland, Oregon. Nettie spent her childhood in Santa Monica, California and after graduating from high school, attended Northwest Nazarene College in Nampa, Idaho. It was in college that she met the love of her life, an aspiring, young, soon to–be-preacher boy named W. Gene Hansen, Gene’s first name was Wilbur. But, as there was at that time a famous horse by the same name, Young Gene elected to go by his middle name. Nettie and Gene were married on August 17, 1956 in Santa Monica. Following college Nettie and Gene moved to Kansas City, Missouri so that Gene could complete his seminary studies and degree.
After seminary Nettie and Gene embarked on the grand adventure of pastoring in the Church of the Nazarene. They truly were a team. Gene would do the pastoring/preaching. Nettie would play the piano for church, and then take the children downstairs for a very well prepared Children’s Church. Together they pastored churches in Julietta Idaho, Gilroy California, Pixley California, Issaquah Washington, Buhl Idaho, Caldwell Idaho, and Marsing Idaho until the time of Gene’s passing in 1994.
Gene’s passing marked the end of their pastoring ministry. Nettie was an accomplished organizer and she put that skill to good use, taking a position in the Caldwell Sheriff’s office. Upon retirement, Nettie relocated to Sparks Nevada to be close to her children and grandchildren. Nettie remained in Sparks until she went home to be with her Lord on September 6, 2023, about a month shy of her 87th birthday.
About two years ago Nettie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Finding it more and more difficult to remember where she was and/or where she was going, Nettie, together with her beloved dog Delilah, moved into a retirement home in Sparks. Though disappointed, she took this life transition with grace, dignity and kindness. She quickly discovered that eating meals with friends was much fun.
Nettie loved to play her piano, which she took with her when she moved into the retirement home. The other residents could often be found walking up and down the hall in front of her apartment, enjoying the piano music coming from behind her door.
Nettie and Gene had four children, Rodney (Nancy), Rolland (Larissa), Ronda (Mike) and Ryan (Shonee). Yes, for some yet to be known reason she liked “R’s”. Nettie is survived by her 4 children and their spouses, 15 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.
Nettie spent her life in service to her Lord, her family, her church and her friends. She will be missed.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nettie Blanche Hansen, please visit our floral store.