Nadine T. Schlothauer
Nadine T. Schlothauer, 94, passed away peacefully on Sept. 13, 2025, at Vista del Monte Retirement Community in Santa Barbara, surrounded by her family.
Born on Jan. 29, 1931, in Newcastle, Wyoming, Nadine was the daughter of Lovell and Oleta (Lewis) Thomas. Her father worked as a railroad calligrapher, and her mother was a dedicated homemaker.
Nadine loved to share stories of her childhood living at the railroad depot with her parents and older sister Natalie. It was there that she developed a deep affection for books, and throughout her youth she devoted countless hours to reading.
Nadine graduated from high school in 1949 and attended the University of Wyoming, where she was a proud member of the Chi Omega sorority. She graduated with honors in 1953, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Shortly after graduation, Nadine began her professional career as an English teacher at Worland High School.
In 1955, Nadine married her beloved husband Carl “Jack” Schlothauer, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage until his passing earlier this year.
The couple moved from Wyoming to Los Angeles, California, in 1958 to begin new careers and start their family. After several moves throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties, Nadine and Jack settled in Santa Barbara in 1969, where they developed deep community ties and lasting friendships.
Later, Nadine worked as a teacher’s aide at Santa Barbara City College for more than two decades, retiring in the mid-1990s.
She was a devout member of the First United Methodist Church, and was active in many school, church and community organizations.
Nadine and Jack shared a lifelong love of travel, theater, and symphony performances.
Above all else, Nadine cherished her role as a wife and mother.
She is survived by her daughter Lisa (Stephen) Decker of El Dorado Hills, California; and her son Tom Schlothauer of San Juan Capistrano, California.
Nadine was predeceased by her husband Jack Schlothauer; parents Lovell and Oleta Thomas; and sister Natalie Thomas.
Nadine and Jack’s ashes are interred in the Sunrise Urn Garden at Santa Barbara Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be directed to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation www.bcrf.org or the Legacy Funds of Santa Barbara First United Methodist Church www.fumcsb.org/memorials.
