Eva Armilda Trotter, 94, passed peacefully on September 29, 2021, in Springfield, Missouri. Armilda was born in Wideman, Arkansas, in 1927 to John and Annie Dalrymple, both deceased. Her five sisters and her brother proceeded her in death.

Her husband Billy Howard Trotter, known as "Bill", died in late 2019 after over 72 years of marriage. They lived in Calico Rock, Arkansas, Jacksonville, Florida and Kansas City, Missouri, before moving to Springfield, Missouri, in 1974, to begin Trotter's Barbeque Restaurants. Armilda's gift with recipes and food presentation contributed greatly to the popularity of the restaurants. She and Bill had a second home in Naples, Florida, for many years where they enjoyed many memorable vacations with their children and grandchildren. She loved the beach, the pink color associated with Naples' sunsets, gathering shells and driving Naples' gorgeous neighborhoods. Armilda is survived by daughter, Nancy, son, Steve, four grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

The family wants to thank all of Armilda's caregivers over the past several years from the bottom of our hearts. In particular, special thanks go to Ashley, who was in the home for many years, and Leigh Ann, who was with Armilda at first in the home and then at Turners Rock-Memory Care. The residents and staff, particularly Brad and Tammy, at Turners Rock embraced Armilda and surrounded her with new friends and compassionate caregivers. Many thanks to all of them. Finally, in Armilda's last days, nurses, a Chaplain and others associated with Phoenix Hospice comforted her, and the family is grateful.

A celebration of Armilda's life will be on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 12 pm in Gorman-Scharpf Funeral home in Springfield, Missouri with a visitation at 11:00 am.  She will then be laid to rest at Jamesville Church of Christ Cemetery at 2:00 pm Jamesville, Missouri, next to Bill.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Armilda's name to the Alzheimer's Association.