Tisha Coleman fully expected her mother to live.
She was healthy, active and strong — emotionally and physically.
And as a retired nurse, Nina Lou knew how to take care of herself.
“But we’re just learning about COVID-19,” said Coleman, also a nurse and currently administrator of the Linn County Health Department in Pleasanton. “If I could do it over again, I’d have taken her sooner to see a specialist.”
Nina Lou Thompson Worthington died on Dec. 13, less than three weeks after being admitted to the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Even when being admitted, she was showing only mild symptoms of distress. She and Coleman and granddaughter Alyssa Coleman chatted during the drive there.
Worthington walked into the hospital on her own accord.
“They wouldn’t let me go with her into the ER, because of COVID. So while she was getting checked out, my daughter and I got something to eat. Did some shopping. Little did I know ….,” and Coleman’s voice trailed off.
We can fill in the blanks.
Nina Lou grew up in rural Moran, one of seven children to Fred and Ethel Thompson. 
Her identical twin sister is Nita Lee, now of Ohio.
A nurse, Nina Lou had a special affinity for the elderly, working at several nursing homes. For a time she was administrator of Moran Manor.
Her five grandchildren called her “Niney Lou.” Besides Coleman and her husband, Steve, she is survived by a son, Chris and his wife, Jen, and three great-grandchildren.
Coleman lived in Moran until age 5, when the family moved to Mound City. Coleman’s lived there ever since, staying in close contact with her mother, who’s been on her own for the last several years since divorcing.
COLEMAN is fighting two battles.
