Nelda Ann Simon

Nelda Ann (Bradshaw) Simon of Prague, Oklahoma, entered into eternal rest on August 16, 2025, in Prague, at the age of 81.

She was born on May 20, 1944, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to Homer Gale Bradshaw and Opal Ola (Haun) Bradshaw. Nelda grew up in Meeker and Prague, attending Meeker High School. On November 10, 1961, she married the love of her life, Paul Edward Simon, just outside of Meeker. Together they shared a lifetime of love and devotion until Paul’s passing on March 31, 2022. In July of 2015, they renewed their vows at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Prague, where Nelda had become a faithful member.

Nelda and Paul were blessed with five children: Lisa Kim, Paul Edward Simon Jr. Allen Wayne, Tami LeAnn, and Peter “Eugene,”. As a wife and mother, she devoted her life to raising her family, instilling in them the values of love, kindness, and faith.

Throughout her life, Nelda worked hard and cared deeply for others. She was employed for 25 years with Blue Bell before becoming a CMA/CNA, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. With compassion and dedication, she served in nursing homes across Prague, Stroud, Cushing, Chandler, and Jones, blessing countless lives with her gentle care.

Nelda found joy in life’s simple pleasures—fishing, playing bingo, quilting, and the companionship of her beloved cats. She carried a warmth and kindness that touched everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; her daughter, Lisa Kay Barrett; Her son, Paul Edward Simon Jr.; her son-in-law, Laurens “Shorty” Vanderstraeten; grandson, Clayton Douglas Robison; great-granddaughter, Aria Lucille Whitson; and two brothers, Riley Bradshaw and his wife, Francis and their daughter, Sandy, and Oliver Zane “O.Z.” Bradshaw.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Peter “Eugene” Simon and Allen Wayne Simon; her daughter, Tami LeAnn Vanderstraeten; ten grandchildren, Lynn Smith, Kenneth Simon, Lisa Mitchum, Alicia Wilson, Misty Barrett, Stella Whitson and her husband, Nicholas, Sandy Collins, and Lillie Collins, Annette Sparks and her husband, Dakota and Tina Simon; twenty-four great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Delores “Dee” Bradshaw; along with a host of extended family and dear friends.

Nelda will be remembered for her faith, her devotion to family, and her generous spirit. Her legacy of love will continue in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.