Nella Kincaid

After a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, Nella Kincaid, 86, of Lincoln, formerly of Hastings, Nebraska, was called home to be with the Lord on November 10, 2026. Her body was donated to the Anatomical Board of the State of Nebraska for research and education.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Evangelical Free Church in Hastings, with Pastor Matt Sass officiating. A light lunch will follow. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association – Lincoln Chapter, 1500 South 70th Street, Suite 201, Lincoln, Ne 68506, or The Hastings Salvation Army – 400 South Burlington Ave., Hastings, Ne 68901. There will be no viewing or visitation.

Nella was born October 2, 1940, in Alma, Nebraska, to Noland and Elva Burns. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1958 and Hastings College in 1962, later earning her master’s degree from Northeastern State University. She married Dick Kincaid on June 3, 1962.

A lifelong educator, Nella began her career teaching elementary school and continued touching lives through education until retiring from Central Community College in 2001.

Nella was deeply committed to her church, community service, and volunteerism. Her dedication to serving others was recognized in 2006 when she and Dick received the national Spirit of Caring Award from the National Retired Teachers Association in Washington, D.C.

She had a lifelong love of playing cards, from a good game of bridge to Kings in the Corner and Solitaire in her later years. Even as her memory declined, the joy of playing cards remained, bringing her moments of familiarity, enjoyment, and connection.

Above all, Nella loved God and her family. She especially treasured her great-grandchildren, along with all her “little ones,” as she affectionately called the children in her life. Her love for children never faded. Whether at a grocery store, restaurant, or family gathering, a child would bring a smile to her face, and she always made time to say hello.

Nella also loved hugs and had a special gift for connecting with people. Her daughter remembers countless outings, appointments, and everyday moments when Nella would ask the person helping them, “Can I have a hug?” Friend or stranger, it didn't matter. A hug was simply another way to share a little love.

She also shared a special bond with her granddogs, Bentley and Maya.

Nella leaves a legacy defined not just by what she accomplished, but by how she lived and made others feel. She loved deeply, served willingly, gave generously, and encouraged others. Her smile made people feel seen and valued, and her gift for writing notes resulted in thousands of cards and messages sent throughout her life to encourage, celebrate, thank, and remember others.

Nella was a fighter to the end, facing life with strength, courage, and a smile. Her life beautifully reflected the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Nella was preceded in death by her parents, Noland and Elva Burns; her husband, Dick Kincaid; her son, Brian Kincaid; her brother, Paul Burns; her sisters, Pauline Miller and her husband, Gordon, and Virginia Yager; and her nephews, Noland Burns and Greg Yager.

Survivors include her daughter, Carmen Schwab and husband Jeff; grandchildren Jordan Schwab and wife Kelsey (children Leighton and Declan), and Christian Schwab and wife Whitney (children Nora, Judah, and Shiloh); along with extended family.