Nimmie Ophelia Steelman

Nimmie Ophelia (Riddle) Steelman, age 71, of Hartshorn, Missouri, passed peacefully from this life into the arms of her Savior on June 23, 2025, surrounded by the legacy of love she so selflessly built. Born August 18, 1953, in Mansfield, Arkansas, she was the oldest child of Bill and Freda (Black) Riddle.

At just 18, Nimmie married the love of her life, Jack Steelman, on April 22, 1972. Together, they raised six children—Clifford; Clayton (Janeen); Frank (Lisa); Larissa (Chris); Rebekah (Brad); and Emily—teaching them to love the Lord, serve others, and value faith over fame.

Her ministry was not one of pulpits or platforms, but of warm kitchens, late-night prayers, and quiet sacrifices. Nimmie was a mother not only to her own children but to countless others in her community. Her love language was cooking, and her gift was making everyone feel at home. To her nine grandchildren—Dale, Betty, Kaylea, Jack, Benjamin, Audrey, Allisyn, Oliver, and Henry—she was a safe place, a nurturer, and the heart of the family.

Her favorite hymn was Just a Closer Walk With Thee, and her favorite verse was Hebrews 11:1—“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” She lived those words daily, walking by faith through hardship and joy alike, always trusting God’s promises more than what her eyes could see.

Nimmie loved playing Rook, laughing over long games at the kitchen table, and holding babies. She was eagerly anticipating the arrival of great-grandchildren and was overjoyed at the thought.

She was saved and baptized as a young girl, and she never stopped leaning on the everlasting arms.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved brothers, Jim and Billy. She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, Jack; their six children; nine grandchildren; her brother Sherman (Bo) Riddle; sister Jewel (Judy) Gaither; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends who were better for having known her.

Nimmie will be laid to rest at Antioch Cemetery in Hartshorn, Missouri—just down the road from the home where she raised her babies, cooked family dinners, and prayed for us all.

Though our hearts are heavy, we do not grieve as those who have no hope. Her faith has now become sight.