Nettie Leona Strain (Williams), 89 years young, passed away at her home in Omaha, Arkansas on September 14, 2021. Just one week before the first anniversary of the passing of her beloved life partner and husband, Bobby J. Strain. A steadfast rock and an inspiring encourager to her only son, Colonel (Ret) USA Special Forces Johnny C. Strain. She molded a leader of men. Forever imprinted in SO many hearts - she was a gift from God to the Strain family. A lifelong advisor and confidant to her three granddaughters and three younger sisters. A generous and compassionate friend. A faithful leader in her community and church.

Nettie was born in Alton, Missouri on October 15, 1931. Nettie, was the matriarch of the Strain family. Together, Bob and Nettie were the bedrock of the Strain family. Genuine hearts, highly favored by God. They built a legacy that will live far beyond their days on this earth. Bob and Nettie were high school sweethearts. They lived a love story for the ages. Nettie, a daughter of a successful businessman and Bob, a son of a poor farmer. He was the ultimate giver, putting all her beautiful colors into place. He worked hard for her and she complimented him and all they did. Those that knew Bob and Nettie, felt and shared in the sunshine they brought to lives of so many others. They trusted the Lord and moved mountains together with this Faith. Their joy was contagious!

As God blessed them, they blessed others. Nettie, extremely talented in business and Bob, gifted with people. Together they were the ultimate pair. Nettie began her career working as a banker in Kansas City in 1951 while Bob was in the Navy, serving in the Korean War and giving birth to their only son, Johnny. While Bob was stationed in Japan, Nettie worked for the Department of the Navy. Evident on the walls in her office, she was loved by the many sailors and marines who worked on the teams she led. Together, they influenced over 135 years of combined military service that the Strain family has achieved.

Nettie was Bob's inspiration. Bob, a visionary and inventor, invented the electric sink in 1969. Side by side, Bob became a key executive for S.S. White, one of the Nation's largest dental equipment manufacturers at that time. A scholarship at UMKC School of Dentistry lives on in the family's name. Together, Bob + Nettie founded Nettie's Cafeteria in Thayer, Missouri and Mountain Home, Arkansas. Generations of families from around the Ozarks have enjoyed eating at the original home of the throwed rolls. Bob and Nettie loved ranching and creating beautiful places for ALL to enjoy. Their homes where a place for fellowship, a place hearts grew BIG and love radiated unconditionally. Visits with Bob and Nettie changed lives, and stomachs -highlighted by Bob's famous cinnamon rolls. Together they accumulated and sold over 10,000 acres of ranch land in Missouri and Arkansas. Their properties caught the eye of people near and far, from all walks of life. If you were lucky enough to know Bob and Nettie, you knew you had a friend for life. Relationships were forged on new levels with these two. They believed, "to whom much is given, much will be required" - Luke 12:48. They lived what they believed and were unwavered by this world. Passionately serving others, each other, and the Lord; they had a life well lived, indeed. The genesis of an era and a legacy to be shared for generations to come.

"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31

Relatives preceding in death: parents Waif Cecil Williams and Samantha Mary Williams (Wiggs), father-in-law, Orville Otto Strain, mother-in-law Ola Jane Strain (Barton); sister-in-law Agnes Darr (Strain), brother-in-law Wallace Strain, brother-in-law Waymon Strain, brother-in-law Earl Strain, brother-in-law Waif Strain, sister-in-law Gladys Marie Combs-Nickless (Strain), sister-in-law Helen Combs (Strain), brother-in-law Mac Strain, and sister-in-law Juanita Coffman (Strain).

Nettie is survived by her only son, Colonel (Ret) USA, Special Forces Johnny C. Strain, his beloved wife and daughter-in-law Lynn M. Strain; sisters Wilda L. Stubblefield (Williams), Mary "Fern" Johnson (Williams), and Bennie K. Harrell (Williams); grandchildren, Samantha J. Strain- Messenheimer, former US Reconnaissance Marine Sergeant, Brendan Messenheimer, Tobey J. Hoambrecker (Strain), Mack Hoambrecker, former US Navy Lieutenant, Dr. Tabitha J. Cummings (Strain), and Dr. Matthew Cummings; great grandchildren, Gavin Messenheimer, Maddox Messenheimer, Samuel Cummings, Hadley Hoambrecker, Brody Cummings, Zander Hoambrecker, and Noah Messenheimer.

Funeral services will be at 10 AM, Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Burlington Baptist Church followed by a burial service at Omaha Cemetery. Nettie will be laid to rest next to Bobby, on a hillside overlooking the land they loved. Johnny and Lynn Strain have placed a  bench nearby their grave sites memorializing a place for us ALL to continue to fellowship with them.

Pallbearers are Leonard Bryant, Leroy Edwards, Tony Fitzgerald, Greg Harris, Ed Wilhoit, and Wendell Edwards.

Visitation and Celebration of the lives of Bob and Nettie will be Friday, September 24, from 5:00-7:00PM at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison, Arkansas.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com .