Nona Lee Ames Hedstrom, age 101, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Nona was born on December 23, 1924, on the Ames Homestead in Republic County, Kansas, to George Nelson Ames and Ruth Rosamond Bockoven Ames. She attended District 48 Grade School, graduating in 1938, and went on to graduate from Concordia High School in May of 1942.

From a young age, Nona shared her love of music. Beginning at age 10, she sang in the Ames Sisters Trio alongside her older sisters, Eileen and Gerry, performing throughout surrounding counties for many years. She also learned to play the piano and carried her musical gifts throughout her life.

On June 2, 1944, Nona married Loren Hedstrom of Norway, Kansas, at Highland Baptist Church, where she was an active parishioner. Loren was the son of Axel and Jeannie Hedstrom of Scandia, Kansas. Later that year, in September of 1944, Loren was called to serve his country during World War II in the Philippines and Japan.

Nona later became a confirmed member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Norway, Kansas. Her faith was central to her life, and she served faithfully for decades. She taught Sunday school for 50 years, participated actively in the women’s monthly Bible study group, and sang duets with Loren at many funerals. Together, Nona and Loren also traveled to several Latin American countries through the Lutheran World Hunger program, visiting impoverished communities in search of answers to the question, “Why are people hungry?”

After selling the family farm and moving to Concordia, and following the death of her husband, Nona transferred her church membership to Concordia Lutheran Church, where she continued her active involvement.

Nona was a woman of many talents and interests. She was an avid reader, poet, self-taught artist, seamstress, and quilt maker. She lovingly created many quilts for Overseas Relief through the church, as well as handmade gifts for family and friends. She also enjoyed embroidery, crocheting, gardening, and surrounding herself with beautiful flowers.

Nona was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Loren, in June of 2010; her daughter, Sandra Hedstrom Weis (Roger) of Jefferson City, Missouri; her parents; her sisters Roberta “Gerri” Johnson, Eileen Ames Combs, Irma Ames Brewer, her brother Frederick “Dean” Ames, and infant sister Nina Jean Ames; three precious great-grandchildren, Anders, Balin, and Caroline Kaufmann; and two nieces.

She is survived by her sons, The Rev. Dr. L. Keith Hedstrom (Eileen) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Lee E. Hedstrom (Maggie) of Robbinsdale, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Michael Hedstrom (Kim), Dr. Stephenie Kaufmann, The Rev. Christopher Weis (Heather), Nathan Weis (Andrea), Shelli Beaudin (Rick), and Daniel Hedstrom (Yvonne); and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Ron Ames (Marilyn) of Colorado as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, and a host of dear friends.

Services are planned for May 23, 2026. Details to follow.