Nelda Faye (Boyd) Masonheimer

Nelda Faye Masonheimer, 82, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, in Abilene, Texas.

Nelda was born on May 12, 1944, at the Sadler Clinic in Merkel, Texas, to John and Mary Boyd. One of nine children, she grew up surrounded by the love, hard work, and close family ties that would remain central to her life.

Nelda attended high school in Willcox, Arizona, where she met her high school sweetheart, James Stuart "Jimmy" Masonheimer. They were married on September 1, 1962, beginning a loving partnership that spanned more than six decades. Together they made their home in Trent, Texas, where they raised their four children and built a life centered on family.

She is survived by her children: Leslie Nicole Crouch and husband Mark; Diana Kaye "Dee Dee" Dobbs and husband Dib; Terri Sue "Luci" Wilson; and Fenton James "Jamie" Masonheimer and wife Kathi.

Nelda was known for her many talents and generous spirit. She was an exceptional cook, baker, and seamstress whose creations filled both homes and hearts. Family and friends will long remember her delicious meals, homemade desserts, and the loving care she put into everything she made.

For more than twenty years, Nelda worked as a nursing aide at Merkel Nursing Center, where she found great purpose in caring for others. Her compassion, patience, and dedication touched countless residents and families throughout her years of service.

She was also deeply involved in her children's activities, serving as a leader for the Mulberry Canyon 4-H Club while all four of her children participated in 4-H. She encouraged hard work, responsibility, and community service, helping shape the lives of many young people along the way.

Nelda and Jimmy shared a passion for antiques and spent many years buying, selling, collecting, and enjoying treasures from the past. Together they became well known throughout the Big Country and Central Texas antique communities, forming lasting friendships with fellow collectors and dealers who shared their enthusiasm.

Nelda was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Boyd, and her brother, William Boyd.

She is survived by her brothers, John Wayne Boyd, James Boyd, Felix Boyd, and Robert Boyd; her sisters, Jenny Carothers, Mary Beth Slaughter, and Patricia Winter; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Grandchildren include Rachael (Scott), Aaron (Claire), Lauren (Cutter), Katherine (Sebastian), Kyler (Cody), Cole (Michelle), Carter (Shania), Victoria, Bret, Grace, Anna (Evan), Zane, and Sydney.

Great-grandchildren include Charlotte, Miranda, Cameron, Harper, Kennedy, Alice, Keegan, Lincoln, Denver James, Lottie, Jackson, Asher, Kimber, and Lylah.

Nelda will be remembered for her kind heart, quiet strength, unwavering devotion to her family, and her willingness to care for others. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply and in the many lives she touched through her service, friendship, and love.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Starbuck Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Fall of 2026, with details to be announced.

Memorial donations may be made to the Trent Cemetery Fund, c/o First Financial Bank, 117 N. Main Street, Trent, Texas 79561.

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