- Date Of Death: July 1, 2011
- State: Colorado
Nina LaDean (Davis) York
LaDean York of Littleton, Colorado and more recently Parker, Colorado, died Friday, July 1, 2011 at Parker Adventist Hospital after a short illness. She was 83 years old.
Born in Chillicothe, Texas, on May 28, 1928 as Nina LaDean Davis, she
spent her childhood, along with her brother R.L. and sister J. Ann, moving all
across the country. They lived in many cities throughout the south, moving to
Milwaukee when she was a teenager, and eventually to Waco, Texas, where she
graduated from high school.
LaDean was well known for her singing voice, and had a regular spot on
the Sunday afternoon radio broadcast in Waco. She was also a regular soloist at
She moved to Wichita, Kansas, to attend Wichita State University where
she met W.E. “Bud” York, Jr. They were wed in 1950 and were married 37 years
until his passing in 1987. They lived the early years of life together in Wichita,
In early 1960 they moved to Littleton, Colorado where their family grew to
three children: Ninell, Timothy, and Gretchen.
LaDean made a name for herself in the fashion and retail community by
pioneering fashionable clothing for large women at the May D&F stores in the
1970’s, assisting buyers and giving the first large-sized woman fashion shows
in the Denver area. She continued this trend at her positions with Joslins and
Foley’s (now Macy’s) as well.
For recreation, LaDean was an artist, joining her husband in oil painting
classes, as well as teaching ceramics at the Englewood Recreation Center for
numerous summers. Her art was frequently shown at the annual Littleton Art
Walk during Western Welcome Week.
In her later years she took an active role in raising her grandchildren, and
continued to support music and arts programs whenever possible. She lived
with her daughter, Gretchen and was able to be independent in every way, still
the last week of her life.
LaDean is preceded in death by her husband, W.E. “Bud” York, Jr. and
survived by her children L. Ninell York Cliff of Kansas City, Missouri, Gretchen
York Mosier (and her husband Michael) of Parker, Colorado, and Timothy York
(and his wife Mary) of Wichita, Kansas. Also surviving are grandchildren Patrick
(and wife Tabitha), Stephanie, Katrina, Nicole, Megan, and great-grandson Miles.
her husband Bud.
programs that she supported over the years:
St Andrew UMC Music Department
9203 S. University Blvd.
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Attn: Mark Zwilling for LaDean York anthem dedication
Cherry Creek Chorale
P.O. Box 3272
Greenwood Village, CO 80155
