Geraldine "Deanie" Newsome Skeens Nolen

Geraldine "Deanie" Newsome Skeans Nolen passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026. Deanie was born on March 31, 1935, in rural Eastern Kentucky. The oldest of four children, Deanie was raised in Ashland and lived there until she went home to Heaven to be with Jesus at the age of 91. She married her high school sweetheart, William Skeans. After William “Bill” passed away she married Willard Nolen, Jr. She was blessed to have been loved by two great men during her lifetime. Deanie graduated from Ashland High School, Class of 1954. She worked several places, including office work at Armco Steel and Professional Maintenance, but her favorite jobs were those of loving wife and stay-at-home mom. She approached both with passion, dedication, fierce devotion, and unconditional love. Deanie was a woman of big, strong faith in God who loved serving and helping others. Whether she was active in teaching Sunday School, serving as youth leader, putting together programs, serving in women's ministry, pouring herself into the role of pastor's wife, being a core leader in BSF, or volunteering at schools and hospitals, she had a heart for serving others and making their lives better. Deanie knew how to be a good friend and she was an especially talented seamstress, crafter, and an incredible home cook. She loved to read and often wrote deep or humorous poetry and skits. She could always be counted on for making everyone laugh with her sharp wit and sense of humor. Deanie is survived by her husband, Willard Nolen, Jr., her daughter, Sheila Skeans, her step children, Yvonne Aschenauer and Brian Nolen (Patty), her sister Pamela Hatfield (Bob), 10 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends. She is pre-deceased by her husband, William F. Skeans, her daughter, Paula Kay Skeans, her stepchildren, Myra Ford and Mark Nolen, siblings, Patricia Lee and John Paul Newsome, and her parents Audrey and Virgil Newsorne. Deanie was a bright light and a joy to those who knew her. She will be greatly missed. It was Deanie's wish to have a graveside service and interment, and that wish will be honored at 10AM on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Paul McNurlin officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice Care Center (1480 Carter Ave. Ashland, Kentucky, 41101) in Deanie’s memory. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mfhfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Miller Funeral Home in Ashland, Kentucky.

Geraldine "Deanie" Newsome Skeens Nolen

March 31, 1935 - April 28, 2026