What makes a community? While good housing, suitable schools, access to healthcare, a variety of amenities, low crime, a fair cost of living and adequate job opportunities are all measurable factors to assess a community, the most immeasurable may be the most important — the people.

On Sept. 29, the Cassville community lost one of its members that had an impact far beyond the norm.

I first met Nadean Davis under unthinkable circumstances, shortly after her daughter, Cassville Primary School Counselor Kristie Preddy, was mauled by two dogs on Main Street in 2019. Nadean, known more for her silent contributions to the city, specifically her relentless efforts to keep the city’s streets clean by picking up trash, went to bat for her daughter multiple times at Cassville City Council meetings.

In October 2019, she was on the agenda for a third month in a row, pressing officials to take action against loose dogs in the city by adopting a leash law. At that time, she said she’d made similar overtures to the City Council 10-15 years ago, lamenting, “What has to happen to get the attention of the council?”

Nadean’s fiery commitment to improving the city never ceased. She attended the September council meeting to point out a couple of areas where dogs were continuously loose, including on the street she walked to get to church from her house.

She also brought her Nadean-style fire for another issue, yard sale signs. She held up two or three signs she had taken down from typical locations in the city, saying she did so more than two days after the sales had ended. Citing litter concerns and the appearance of the community with weathered yard sale signs on so many poles, Nadean prodded the council to look at taking corrective action.

That issue may well receive attention, as the council is considering an ordinance requiring signs to be removed after a certain period of time following a sale, or the resident may face a fine.

The majority of my interactions with Nadean came at council meetings or community events, though I would often see her in the areas of Main Street and Old Exeter Road, lugging a bag of trash she’d picked up in the area. In fact, it was that very activity she was completing yet again when her time came.

In October, shortly after her death, Cassville Mayor Jon Horner issued a proclamation in her honor. Citing her as a long-term, devoted resident, the proclamation lauded her pride in the city of Cassville; her selflessness displayed through her dedication, care and kindness; her endeavors to remove trash, outdated signs and other unsightly items during her walks through the city; and her actions as an example of community pride, stewardship and citizenship.

In appreciation of her legacy, Horner named Nadean posthumously as an “Honored Citizen of Cassville.”

Nadean spent nearly 50 years in Cassville, moving here in 1978 and working as a welder at FASCO for several years. I never knew she was a welder, but given her work ethic and self-imposed labors, I am not a single bit surprised.

Along with her ongoing efforts to keep the streets clean, Nadean was an Angel with Hospice Compassus, involved with the Fair Haven Children’s Home and volunteered at local nursing homes.

Her impact can be measured by the response to her passing. For months now, we’ve been posting obituaries on social media. In the journalism industry, obituaries are considered of utmost importance — typically the last time something will be said about a person.

On the post of Nadean’s obituary on Facebook, which was viewed more than 14,000 times since Friday, more than 20 people extended their condolences and provided anecdotes.

“I loved her visits to our nursing home,” one commenter said. “She’d watch TV with the residents and baked the most wonderful banana cake. She will be missed.”

“Her kindness and passionate concern for others and the community will be missed immensely,” another said.

“You’re walking the streets of Heaven now,” a third added.

What’s ironic is Nadean would be aghast with such praise. Her spirit, her demeanor, her efforts, she would rather them all go essentially unnoticed.

“She just did the thing, and didn’t need or want the credit — beautiful,” another commenter said.

In today’s world, we could use a million more Nadeans. Many people make impacts with their money or their status, but Nadean made an immeasurable impact just being who she was.

Cassville will never be quite the same without her.

Kyle Troutman has served as editor of the Cassville Democrat since 2014 and owner/publisher since 2023. He is a three-time ISWNE Golden Dozen award winner. He may be reached at 417-847-2610 or ktroutman@cassville-democrat. com.