Novalene "Nova" D. Wright

Novalene “Nova” Wright, age 83, of Wiota, died Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Cass Health in Atlantic.

The daughter of Charles Ellis Reed and Doris L. (Larson), Novalene Delores was born, February 4, 1940, at her grandparents home, West of Elliott, Iowa.   She grew up on the farm East of Elliott with her sister and loved the rural life, driving tractor, baling hay and helping in any way she could.  Her pet lamb was a specially treasured memory.  In 5^th grade she began clarinet lessons and joined the school band; her love for music carried on throughout her life, and she passed her love of music to her boys and grandchildren.  After graduating from Elliott High School in 1957, she went to Northwest Missouri State University for two years and then worked for Walnut Grove in Atlantic.  She met Clifford Wright at the Griswold Old Soldier’s Reunion just before she was slated to move to Denver, Colorado and she headed out there to work for Martin Marietta with the Space Program, but after a year she returned to Elliott and married Clifford on April 28, 1962.  She was raised, confirmed and married in the Elliott Christian Church.

They lived north of Wiota for about a year before moving to “the homeplace” where they raised their three boys, David, Tim & Brian and called home for the rest of her life.  Her role there was versatile and across the board from farm work to sewing and she loved almost every minute . . . except when it came to herding cattle or hogs.  She fashioned clothing for the boys when they were growing up and raised bountiful gardens, filling their table with wonderful fresh food.  Seeing the boys participate in music was a balm to her soul and she never missed a school event of any kind. Cliff and Nova took up Polka and Square Dancing and found that they loved it!  She was very involved in the preparation for the Wiota Centennial, church committees and many board positions throughout the years.  She and Clifford loved traveling and seeing different places.  In the rare quiet moments, she could be found painting, mowing and working in her yard.  

Her greatest accomplishment and joy were their three sons and as the family grew, her heart overflowed even more, all the way down to her great-granddaughter.  Grandkids coming to visit became her greatest treat!  She would greet them with a bible in one hand and a wooden spoon in the other.  She will always be remembered by her family and friends for her caring heart toward everyone around her and her great smile!

Nova is survived by her husband, Clifford of Wiota; sons, David (Laura) of Atlantic, Timothy (Cheryl) of Polk City, and Brian of Atlantic; her sister, Marcia Friesen of Nebraska City, NE; sister-in-law, Roma Gerry of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Katie Wright of Omaha, NE, Sarah (Levi) Klopping of Garrison, Steven (Mariah) Wright of Wiota, Isaiah Wright of Kansas City, MO, Rebeka (fiancé, Joe Rauch) Wright of Dubuque and Annika Wright and Amelia Wright, both of Polk City;  great-grandchildren, Ruby Klopping and two more on the way; and many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers-in-law, Erv Freisen, Floyd Jacobsen, and Del Wallace; and sisters-in-law, Shirley Jacobsen and Carol Wallace. 

Visitation with the family present will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 17^th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 18^th at the Wiota United Methodist Church in Wiota.  The service will be recorded and available on the Roland Funeral Service website by Saturday.  Burial will be at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Nova’s family and her arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.