Nancy Elliott Armstrong Paul passed away February 28th after a long and happy life. She was born October 27, 1937, in Clay Center, Kansas. She moved to Springfield, Missouri, in 1958 as a new bride and lived there for most of her adult life.

As an Air Force "brat," Nancy and her family moved often - she attended 23 elementary schools! Nancy graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa, and later attended Drake University, where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. In 1970, she graduated from Missouri State University and taught kindergarten in Niangua, Missouri, for thirteen years. One of Nancy's favorite and proudest memories was when she was invited to speak at the high school graduation of her very first kindergarten class.

She met her husband, George Houston Paul, in 1956 in Izmir, Turkey, when he was a lieutenant under her father's command. Together, they raised their sons, David Houston and Michael Elliott. Nancy was immensely proud of the loving fathers and husbands they went on to become. After retiring, Nancy and George traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and all seven continents - spending their 50th wedding anniversary on an expedition to Antarctica.

Nancy's father was the QB of the Kansas State football team when they won the Big 6 championship in 1934. This sparked her lifelong passion for KSU. She attended games every year and if they were in a bowl game, she was there. She passed this love for Kansas State down to her children and grandchildren by organizing an annual family reunion in Manhattan, Kansas, to tailgate and cheer on the Wildcats.

When Nancy wasn't traveling, she supported and enjoyed the arts, including the Springfield Symphony, Little Theater , and MSU Summer Tent Theater. Summers always included boating with family and friends at Table Rock Lake. Nancy was an avid animal lover and advocated for animal rights. She gave a lifetime of love to all of her "fur babies". She loved playing bridge,and cherished her time with her bridge friends. Nancy was a member of the Junior League and DAR. Always looking forward to her next adventure, she never considered herself "old!"

One of Nancy's favorite roles was being grandmother (aka, "JuJu"!) to her four grandchildren, Whitney, Adam, Stephen, and Sarah. She felt so fortunate to have created many memories with them over the years, including taking all four of them on a week-long cruise through Europe in 2015.  Juju never missed any of their big life events. She was on the dance floor at all four of their weddings! And, if you saw Nancy in the last few years, you surely heard about her becoming a "Great Juju" to her precious Simon and Hudson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Elliott Armstrong and Elva Berniece Bohnenblust Armstrong. She is survived by George, her husband of 67 years, and her sons David (Brenda) of Buffalo, MO, and Michael (Doris) of Midlothian, VA. Plus, her grandchildren Whitney (Maggie), Adam (Kara), Stephen (Erin), and Sarah (Tim), and her great-grandsons Simon and Hudson. She is also survived by her brother, Richard Armstrong of Des Moines, Iowa.

Nancy "JuJu" Paul may have been small in stature, but she had a huge presence that was felt when she entered a room— she was a true force of nature. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Sunday, March 30, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 31, at 10:00 a.m. at Hazelwood Cemetery in Springfield.

Lunch will be served immediately following the graveside service from 11 am - 2 pm at Springhouse Village Clubhouse. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to C.A.R.E (Castaway Animals Rescue Effort) of Springfield at 1328 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, Mo 65807, www.carerescue.org or a charity of your choice.