Nena Gupton

(Froneberger), 73, passed away at home in St. Helena surrounded by her family on September 30, 2023, during the Harvest moon (the Gardeners’ moon) after a sudden battle with Cancer.

Nena met the love of her life, Ron on a blind date & married on June 29, 1969. They began their family in Ukiah with their 1st child, Ronda. After moving to Pomona they had their 2nd daughter, Heather. In 1978 they relocated to Napa for Ron’s Fire Chief position at the Napa State Hospital, where they retired together in 2001.

After graduating from Ukiah High School in 1968, Nena attended Heald Business College in San Francisco. She once had a column in the Ukiah Daily Journal before starting her career at the NSH as an office assistant. Working diligently and after several promotions, she ended her career as the Assistant Director of Medical Records. Retiring together in 2001 they moved back to her hometown of Ukiah to live next to her mother, Wanda Dubose. After Wanda passed in 2021 they bought a home in the Napa Valley to be closer to family.

When Nena wasn’t working you could find her gardening, cooking, or working on family genealogy. She was also a skilled artist, painter & crafter. She left us with MANY huge scrapbooks that will be cherished for generations. She was also known for hosting parties. One of the best things about her was being a second mom to her children’s friends in need. She was loved by many. Nena is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ron Gupton; two daughters Ronda Guptonpruett (David Pruett) & Heather Gupton (David Connell); grandchildren Christina Pruett & Vince Connell; great grandchildren Taelor & Brynlee; sister Ilana Seaton; sister in laws Beverly Gupton & Charlene Myers; nieces and nephews Ashley, Jerry, Todd, Jeff and Annamarie. She was preceded in death by her mother Wanda Dubose; sister Dana Murray; in laws Dorothy & Chuck Mcpherson, Jim & Judy Gupton, Ted Myers, and great niece Lizzie Gupton.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, February 25th at the clubhouse in Vineyard Valley MHP, 290 Pope Street in St. Helena from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Human Rights Campaign at Hrc.org.