Elender Jahde passed away surrounded with love and beautiful prayers on February 9, 2026. She was 86 years old.

Elender was born on March 26, 1939, in Albany, MO, to Richard and Elender (Hardin) Barrett. She grew up living on the second floor of the second-generation Hardin’s Rexall Drug Store. Her mother ran the front of the store including the popular soda fountain while her father ran the pharmacy. It was located on the town square along with the beautiful Gentry County Courthouse, the Carnegie Library and the Rigney Theater. Growing up in a small town, she learned the importance of worship, community service and community. It was also here where she discovered her love of dance, drums, and Elvis! Elender’s small-town roots were always close to her heart.

She attended Christian college for 2 years and graduated from Northwest Missouri State with a degree in secondary education. There she also met her future husband in biology class. She married Kenneth Clarence Jahde in 1961. They both taught school in Denver, CO for a few years where they began their family. She raised her family for most of their lives in Naperville, IL where her love of education continued. She was present and always proud to be their children’s #1 fan with each of their endeavors.

In 2004, Ken and Elender moved to Savannah, GA and enjoyed many quiet southern nights on their beautiful patio observing nature. It was here that she discovered her love of Zumba and became a licensed instructor at the Pooler, GA, YMCA. The friendships and partnerships she made were enduring and incredible! Elender continued to teach at Village Cove Assisted Living until just recently. Her love of dance was infectious. There wasn’t a cashier, Dr. office or waiter she couldn’t get to dance with her.

Elender was most proud of being “a Nana” to her grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Heather Nagle; son-in-law, Tyler Nagle; and grandchildren, Max and Hanna Nagle; her daughter, Jamie Jahde; and grandchildren, Baila and Seaton Edwards; and her son, Josef Jahde; and grandchildren, Emma, Iain, Nicolas and Anna Jahde. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ken, in 2022.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Legacy Fund for Albany, MO.

Albany Legacy Fund

A Celebration of Elender’s Life and dance party will be held on March 28 at 4:30 PM. Please email [email protected] for reservations and further details