The Richmond News, July 11, 2025

Nina Mae Carpenter, 92, of Norborne passed away Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Oak Ridge Assisted Living in Richmond, surrounded by her loving family.

Nina was born Dec. 12, 1932, in Rothville, the daughter of Carl Leroy and Vera Luella (Moeder) Nickell.

She was united in marriage to Lamar Carpenter of Stet on July 23, Nina Carpenter

1955. He preceded her in death on Nov. 27, 2019.

Survivors include her three children, Douglas Cameron (Sandra) Carpenter of Stet, Rita Ann Carpenter of Richmond and David Alan (Gaye) Carpenter of Hardin. They also include 10 grandchildren: Jennifer Carpenter, Kourtney Carpenter, Whitney (Marshall) Smith, Stephanie (Steve) Smithson, Lauren (Seth) Jones, Leslie (John) Young, Lydia (Tony) DeWeese, Daniel (Samantha) Carpenter, Mark (Ragen) Carpenter and Michael (Megan) Carpenter.

Other survivors include 15 great-grandchildren: Kinze Wright, Cameron Wright, Aubree Wright, Tucker Smith, Dawson Smith, Boone Smith, Carter Jones, Scarlett Jones, Judah Jones, Abigail Young, Theodore DeWeese, Elaina Carpenter, Ada Carpenter, Emarie Carpenter and Mia Carpenter. She also is survived by three bonus grandchildren, Savannah Jennings, Raven (David) Jacobson and Brooklin (Sean) Hall; and three bonus greatgrandchildren, Elessar Jacobson, Ada Jacobson and Margot Jacobson.

In addition to her husband, Nina was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bill Nickell; sister, Grace “Jeanett” Garton; and daughter-in-law, Judy Carpenter.

Nina was baptized in the Rothville Baptist Church and graduated from Rothville High School. She then earned a degree in business education from the teacher’s college in Kirksville.

Nina began her teaching career in Keytesville, where she met Lamar, a student teacher there. It was love at first sight and they married shortly thereafter.

The couple moved to Donnellson, Iowa, where they taught together until 1959 before returning to rural Norborne to begin farming. In addition to working on the farm and raising their family, they co-owned and operated Stet Milling Co. from 1962 to 1980.

Nina was an active leader in the community as a member of the Hardin P.E.O. and American Legion Auxiliary. She also served as a 4-H leader for many years with the Central 4-H Club.

She enjoyed sewing, quilting and crocheting, making clothes for her family and crafting countless cherished quilts and keepsakes. Nina’s cooking also was wellknown, especially during harvest, and her harvest cookies became a favorite tradition.

As the beloved matriarch of her family, she will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for her warmth, dedication and the love she poured into everything she did.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Hardin-Central FFA, Norborne FFA or to the donor’s choice. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held Monday, July 14, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. and services to follow at 2. Rev. Jason Frazer will officiate. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Nina with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.