Nadine Bernice Armstrong, 93, of West Plains, Missouri, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2017. She was born in Bexar, Arkansas, on May 18, 1923, to Morrison and Myrlte Harris. After graduating from West Plains High School in 1940, she went to work for the Rural Electric Authority (REA). During that time, she received her pilot’s license and quickly became notorious for flying under the Tecumseh, Missouri, bridge.
Nadine married Richard Alvin Armstrong in 1946 and was married 42 years until his death in 1988. Together they lived in Calico Rock, Arkansas, where they owned the Armstrong Drug Store, installing the pharmacy’s first soda fountain in 1948. Subsequently, they returned to West Plains, Missouri, where Nadine raised three chidlren and began a career with the Division of Social Services. She decided to continue her education at the West Plains Residence Center, graduating from SMS in 1972. She was a field auditor for the Missouri Division of Employment Security where she retired after 26 years of service.
After her retirement, Nadine enjoyed playing golf where she achieved golf’s ultimate prize, making a hole in one. She enjoyed reading to elementary school children and traveling with friends to Tunica. She was an avid reader. She loved to cook and took pride in her breads, rolls, pies and cakes. Most of all, she enjoyed and loved her grandchildren, Chase, Lauren, Annie and Tanner.
Nadine is preceded in death by her husband, Richard Alvin Armstrong; her daughter, Ann Harris Armstrong-Haren; and her brothers Junior Harris and Calvin Harris. She is survived by her son, Dick Armstrong of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida and his long term girlfriend, Bren Cook; her son David Amstrong and wife, Pamela, of Springfield, Missouri; her brother Jack Harris of West Plains, Missouri; four grandchildren, Chase Armstrong of Boston, Massachusetts; Lauren Armstrong-Levy of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Annie Armstrong of Madrid, Spain; and Tanner Armstrong of Springfield, Missouri; and one great grandchild, Norah Levy. She is also survived by several nieces and a nephew, Allison, Meredith and Gary; sister-in-law, Louise Harris; along with her very special cousins, the Montgomery sisters, from Arkansas.
The family of Nadine would like to express their gratitude for the exceptional and compassionate care Nadine received at Morningside of Springfield. There will be a memorial visitation Thursday, March 23, from 5:30 to 7:00 at Carter Funeral Home, West Plains. A graveside service will be held at 11:00, Friday, March 24, at Oak Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Bridges Program.
March 21, 2017 @ 4:07 pm
Kudos to whomever is responsible for this obituary, she would be so proud. You will be missed, Mamaw!
March 21, 2017 @ 6:28 pm
So very to hear of Nadine passing. She was an exceptional person and loved by many. My mother Mildred Brown used to make fudge and divinity for her at Christmas time. Mother loved to do it and I always loved the times when she came to get it. As I said I’m so very sorry for your loss but will keep you all in my prayers
March 22, 2017 @ 4:51 pm
I will miss my aunt very much she was an amazing person. And I loved are long talks on the phone and all the letters we would send back and forth. She will be missed by us all. Meredith, Shawn and Jack
March 23, 2017 @ 9:55 am
I am Pat Patillo (Patsy Bell in high school (class of 66)…
To: Dick
Wow! What an obit indeed. You have such memories to be proud of in your mother’s life story. I lived in Calico Rock, Ark. in 1955, went to first grade there and know exactly where the drug store was…Your mother was a lady we all would love to be. I’ll never go throough Tecumseh, Mo. again without mentally seeing her fly under that bridge that was there. Now I know where you got your Spunk in high school! Thanks for sharing your memories and I extend my sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Pat
March 25, 2017 @ 12:27 pm
Flew under a bridge, scored a hole-in-one, raised a family and had a career. Most certainly an amazing woman.
March 25, 2017 @ 2:11 pm
I’m very sorry to hear of Nadine’s death. She was always fun to be around and whenever I saw her through the years she related stories of my childhood when we were neighbors. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the family!
March 27, 2017 @ 11:29 am
Prayers for you, David, at the passing of your Mom. Hope you get to continue with Bingo in her memory. She worked with my Dad at the MO State Employment Security Office & she was always so kind, friendly & interested in what was going on with us. Good memories of your dear Mom.
Blessings,
Rita Collins Gibson
March 29, 2017 @ 12:22 pm
David and Family,
My parents, Norris/Ivene Cozort, and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family upon the loss of your Mother, Nadine. Your Mother and I volunteered at the West Plains Elementary School in helping students learn to read. We reconnected with each other through this activity. She was such a wonderful, friendly individual! May God continue to comfort, encourage, and support each one of you thru this difficult time. May God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love,
Norrris/Ivene Cozort and Amber(Cozort)Redburn
March 30, 2017 @ 10:20 am
We were out of town and missed the opportunity to share with the family how much Nadine made a difference in our lives. She always jokingly said it was because of her retiring from Employment Security that we got together in our mid life. She was right though and Mike and I were always thanked her for steering Mike to West Plains. Nadine was such a friend. I took her baking advice seriously. What a cook, but more than that, she was a baker! She loved to share her secrets. Nadine was a caregiver to anyone in need. She had a colorful life and we will miss her.