Nadine Esther Stark was born Sept. 19, 1930 in Des Moines, Iowa to Elmer Sward and Thelma Densmore Sward. She passed from this life July 21, 2024 at the age of 93.
At an early age, she was buried with Christ in baptism and served Him with her whole heart all the days of her life. She graduated from Rolla High School in 1948. In 1954, she defied the social mores of the time and became one of only two women to graduate from Ozark Bible College. Both graduates were named Nadine.
However, traditional family values were her heart and soul, and she married Doan Gale Dec. 7, 1957. They began their loving family on a simple farm in Hartshorn, Missouri. Dana and Dwayne were soon born to them there. Life was good for them until tragedy in the form of illness took Doan from them Feb. 26, 1966. With an unfailing faith in her Lord, she put aside her grief and lovingly raised her family with steadfast grit and determination.
In 1967, she moved her family to Houston and began her career with the Missouri State Division of Family Services. She served the families of Texas County for almost 26 years before retiring in 1992. On June 8, 1980, Nadine married William (Bill) Stark. Until her retirement, they loved spending weekends at Lake Pomme de Terre in their RV. After her retirement, they enjoyed traveling in the RV and spending more time at the lake while enjoying their growing family.
Breakfast burritos, Mello Yellos and playing games together are happy memories the grandchildren share. There was only a little cheating. Their door was always open and Eric heard the yell “Knock-Knock” so many times he thought his grandpa’s name was “Knock-Knock.”
Nadine was a longtime member of the First Christian Church in Houston. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and most of her adult life she led song services during church and revivals. She sang at numerous funerals, and other events until her health declined. Although, recently, one of her last days on earth, she blessed the hospital staff and visitors with some versions of the songs that were still ingrained in her memory. She is no doubt now, singing beautifully with the angels.
Nadine was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Doan Gale and Bill Stark; her sister and brother in law, Genevieve and Gell Pittman; her sister and brother in law, Eileen and Chester Malone; and two great-grandchildren, Charlee Ann Dahl and Boyd Gale. What a joyous reunion they all must be having now.
Surviving are her children Dana (Danny) McGuire, Dwayne Gale, and stepson Jerry (Barbara) Stark; six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and a host of other beloved family members, and hundreds of others that knew her simply as “Grandma Stark.” She was the beloved matriarch to four generations – loving and leading them by her example, with a song on her lips and a lantern, the Word of God, in her hand.
Surely the inspired writer of Proverbs 31 looked years ahead and wrote those words with Nadine in mind. “Her worth is far above rubies. Strength and honor are her clothing. She opens her mouth with wisdom. She watches well over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed. Many daughters have done well, But you exceed them all.”
Nadine leaves a tremendous legacy. She will be missed immensely, but her legacy will live on in her children, grandchildren and all who knew and loved her. Her memory will always be just a song away.
A visitation for Nadine was held from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, July 24 at the First Christian Church of Houston. A funeral service followed at noon with Pastor Nate Cooper officiating. Interment was at Antioch Cemetery, pallbearers were John Buse, Eric McGuire, Alex McGuire, Dylan Gale, Kevin Dahl and Isaiah Buse. Memorial contributions in Nadine’s name may be made to Summersville Christian Church, Wounded Warriors and Antioch Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Evans Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.evansfh.com.
PAID