Visitation will be held from noon to 5pm on Sunday, March 14, 2021 in the Memorial Park Funeral Home located at 6969 Interstate 40 East in Amarillo, TX. A graveside service will take place on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 2pm in the Memorial Park Cemetery’s Garden of Last Supper with Murray Gossett of First Presbyterian of Amarillo presiding. Should you not be able, or wish not to attend the service in person, you can view the service via livestream at www.facebook.com/memorialparkfuneral or click the “Join Livestream” link below.
Nina was born in Flomot, Texas to Frank and Fay Stapleton on March 1, 1922. She had three sisters, Sophia, Ruth, and Maybelle. They grew up during good and bad times, Nina finished high school at the end of the Great Depression. Thanks to the assistance of the Roy High School Principal, Nina was able to become employed by the Castaneda Harvey House in Las Vegas, New Mexico which allowed her to attend the Highlands University in 1941. Nina was very happy to be able to see the renovation of the Castaneda and took part in opening ceremonies in 2019. Her Harvey House experience is documented in the book Harvey House of New Mexico and on KRTN website under Veltry’s Vault.
Nina was married to Joe Thomas on August 1, 1942. They had two sons, Joe G. and Donald. She was very proud of them and their accomplishments.. Her grandchildren also often gave her reason to “Brag” in her later years. Donald passed on March 12, 1989; Joe passed on May 10, 1989.
Nina was the Principal of the Amarillo Air Base Nursery and Kindergarten from November 1957 to November 1967.
Nina later married Merlyn Strong on June 12, 1992. She and Merlyn chose to retire in Raton, New Mexico in 1992. During her years in Raton Nina became very endeared by her church family, P.E.O. Sisters and her Beta Sigma Phi Sisters. Nina was a PEO Golder Girl having been part of the Philanthropic Educational Organization for more than 50 years. She lost Merlyn on April 5, 2010. Merle Ann Strong and Allan Morett passed March 13, 2014 (step-daughter), Damien Morett (step-grandson) passed September 29, 2016.
Nina is survived by Joe G. and Sueanne Thomas (son), Philip Strong (step-son), Bonnie Thomas (daughter-in-law), Marc Thomas (grandson), Brian and Valentina Thomas (grandson), Eric and Lissa Thomas (grandson), Megan and Jared Amaun (granddaughter), Joseph and Cathy Strong (step-grandson), Jason and Tamara Morett (step grandson) and 10 great grandchildren, many PEO sisters. She had enough love in her heart for all of those who knew her. She was well-loved in return and will be missed.
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