I first met Armada in the spring of 1986 when I enrolled in my very first college class. We were both taking Oral Communications at South County Education Center, an off-site campus of Meramec Community College. I was 30 years old and feeling pretty nervous about fitting into the college scene. As I walked into the classroom and looked around, Armada looked up at me and smiled that beautiful, warm, welcoming smile of hers. In that moment, I knew I had made the right decision—and from then on, the rest was history.
We quickly became study buddies and best friends. After earning A’s in that class, we signed up for several more courses together as we worked toward our degrees—Algebra, Modern Biology, Sociology, and English. Whenever we could, we worked on projects together, which made even the tougher classes more enjoyable.
One of our English classes required us to attend an event at Duff’s Restaurant in the Central West End, a place known for supporting the arts. One evening, we drove there together to hear a poet read his work. It was definitely outside both of our comfort zones, but we faced it together. The next day, I drove to Armada’s house in the city, and we sat down and wrote our oral presentation side by side.
Even after we pursued different degrees, we never lost touch. We made a point to meet up at different restaurants just to catch up—Cracker Barrel being one of our favorites. When Armada moved to the county, I’d visit her, and we’d ride together to Cracker Barrel, keeping our little tradition alive.
Armada loved to paint, and one year for my birthday she surprised me with one of her beautiful paintings. It’s something I will always treasure.
Armada was simply easy to love. She deeply loved her all of her family and she loved her friends just as much. She had a beautiful smile, a contagious laugh, and a kind, gentle spirit. She never complained and always showed kindness.
I love you, Armada, and I will miss you so very much, my sweet and dear friend.

So sorry. Armada was so special to me
 I will always love and miss her.

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The loving daughter to Claude and Lillian Millikan (nee McClure).


She was the loving wife of the late Elmer L. Buhlinger.


Dearest mother to Elmer (Theresa) Buhlinger, Michael Buhlinger, and the late George Buhlinger.


Armada is a cherished Grandmother, Great grandmother, Great-great grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and friend to many.

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Armada Buhlinger

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OBITUARY

Armada Buhlinger

May 15, 1933 – December 10, 2025

Hoffmeister South County Chapel

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