Nadine Eula Christenberry was born Thursday, September 8, 1921 in Cherry Hill, Arkansas to parents Jesse and Beulah (Thompson) Christenberry. She was the oldest of four children. Nadine’s childhood years were spent in the mill town of Forester, Arkansas. She fondly reminisced about her childhood years spent swimming, walking through the hills, lying in the grass, looking up at the clouds and the fields full of butterflies. She shared with her family her story of a simpler time when doors were not locked, stores were closed on Sunday and families came together and helped one another through the depression. She called her childhood home “the gathering place”. Her family would often entertain, moving the furniture to make room for everyone to dance the night away.

As a young woman, Nadine attended a trade school in Oakland, California and went to work as a welder during WWII patching up war ships. Nadine returned home to Forester, Arkansas and began working at the sawmill where she “slung lumber.” There she was reunited with a young man by the name of Fred Rawlings. The two had attended school together in Waldron, Arkansas but lost touch during the war. She often told the story of their first meeting. She was attending a High School dance when Fred approached her and said “Would you go out with me tonight?” She said their friends were taken back because Fred didn’t date much. After Fred returned home from the war Nadine approached him and said “So, when are you going to take me out?” Fred and Nadine exchanged wedding vows in a barber shop in Mena, Arkansas on May 30, 1947. Soon after they were married, Fred and Nadine headed north to St. Paul, MN where they raised their family. They were blessed with four beautiful children.

Nadine had a true passion for babies and children, so being able to stay at home with her children was a true blessing. She often said, “I was born to be a mother.” Nadine enjoyed teaching her children how to spell, read and do math and was part of the PTA. She loved sewing, knitting, gardening, canning, and was an excellent cook and baker. Their home was full of home cooked meals, treats and children. When her own children were grown, Nadine continued her work as a caregiver by looking after her grandkids and great-grandson. She never turned down an opportunity to spend time with her family.

On Saturday, October 8, 2011 Nadine’s world was shaken with the death of her beloved Fred. He was the love of her life, and Nadine missed her husband deeply. After his passing every time his named was mentioned she would say how lucky she was and how much she missed him.

Nadine Rawlings passed away the morning of Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at the age of 92. She will always be remembered as a feisty woman who loved her family and lived life on her own terms.

Nadine will be missed by her daughters, Frankie, Dana and Nancy; grandchildren, Evelyn, Darcie, Lyle, Michelle, Rachelle, Mike, Shonna, Bobby and Jamie; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Margie; other loving relatives and friends. Nadine is preceded in death by her parents, Jesse and Beulah; husband, Fred; siblings, J.W. and Mildred; son, Wendell; grandchildren, Darrell and Wendell, Jr.