V. Nadine Sivils saved Norma E. Bush from. drowning, Appleton City, Missouri, May 12, 1940. While wading in a reservoir, Norma, 14, got beyond her depth and then swam to a point 15 feet from the bank, where the water was nine feet deep. Twice she was submerged briefly, swallowed water, and could make no progress toward the bank. Nadine, 16, schoolgirl, who was clothed, jumped from the bank, swam 12 feet to Norma, and took hold of her hair. Norma slapped her face, and she released her hold. Norma then placed her arms around Nadine’s neck, and they were submerged. Nadine broke the hold, and they rose. From behind Norma, Nadine took hold of her clothing and then swam towing her 15 feet to wadable water. 38402-3161
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38402-3161Obituary
Nadine Sivils Dehning, daughter of Albert Wilbur and Mable Lorene (Pierce) Sivils, was born on March 8, 1924, in Appleton City, Mo. She died on Dec. 27, 2003, at Independence Manor Care Center in Independence, Mo., at age 79.
Dehning loved to travel and explore. Throughout her 60-year marriage, Dehning and her husband, Robert, visited most of the states. In their travels, Dehning enjoyed investigating small attractions that were off the beaten path. Some of her fondest memories were riding the roller coaster at Coney Island in New York, digging for diamonds in Arkansas, and enjoying the parks and water shows in Florida.
Many of their trips took them to the great monuments and parks, including Yellowstone, the Black Hills, the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore. Fishing and sailing were activities she most enjoyed with her husband.
In November 1940, Dehning was awarded a bronze Carnegie Medal for saving a young girl from drowning in her hometown of Appleton City about five months earlier. Dehning was 16 at the time.
(Edited from an obituary provided by the family.)