Nina Thomas Strong passed away in her home on March 4, 2021 at the age of 99, surrounded by her loving family that had been with her since her brief hospital stay in February.
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 and 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 for the restoration in 2019. Her Harvey House experience is documented in the book Harvey House of New Mexico and on KRTN website under Veltri’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 to her church family, P.E.O. Sisters and her Beta Sigma Phi Sisters. Nina was a PEO Golden Girl having been part of the Philanthropic Educational Organization for more than 50 years. She lost Merlyn on April 5, 2010. Step-daughter Merle Ann Strong and Allan Morett passed March 13, 2014, Damien Morett (step-grandson) passed September 29, 2016.
Nina is survived by son Joe G. and Sueanne Thomas, step-son Philip Strong, daughter-in-law BonnieThomas, and grandsons Marc Thomas, Brian and Valentina Thomas and Eric and Lissa Thomas, granddaughter Megan and Jared Amaun, step-grandsons Joseph and Cathy Strong, and Jason and Tamara Morett 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.
Viewing is scheduled for Sunday, March 14 from noon to 5:00pm, at the Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 6969, Interstate 40 East, Amarillo, Texas, 79118.
Her funeral service followed by interment is scheduled for Monday, March 15th at 2 pm.
