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 on December 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, 1955; he preceded her in death on November 27, 2019.

Survivors include: three children: Douglas Cameron (Sandra) Carpenter of Stet, Rita Ann Carpenter of Richmond, and David Alan (Gaye) Carpenter of Hardin; 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; and 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.

Nina was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 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 also co-owned and operated Stet Milling Company 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 had 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 was also well known, 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 Hardin-Central FFA, Norborne FFA or to the donor's choice.  They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation with funeral services will be held on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M., with services to follow at 2:00 P.M.  Reverend Jason Frazer to officiate.  Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Please remember to share your memories of Nina with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.

Grandma Nina's Harvest Cookies

2 cups crushed Wheaties                                                      ¾ cup quick oats

2 cups flour                                                                                     ¾ cup raisins

1 cup white sugar                                                                        1 tsp baking soda

1 cup brown sugar                                                                      ½ tsp salt

1 cup coconut                                                                               3 eggs beaten

¾ cup chopped pecans                                                          1 cup cooking oil

1 tsp vanilla

In your largest mixing bowl, stir together the ten dry ingredients.  Mix well.

In a medium bowl, beat eggs, oil and vanilla together until creamy.  Add to

dry ingredients and stir.  Cookie batter will be very thick.  Drop by rounded teaspoon

or scoop on greased or parchment lined cookie sheet.  Bake in 350˚ preheated oven for

8 minutes.  DO NOT OVERBAKE!