Nina Lee Little, surrounded by her family, went to be with her Savior on April 14, 2026.
Nina Lee Burdette was born on June 19, 1937, in Nortonville, KS, at her grandmother Eisler's house. She was the third of six children of John Burdette and Louise Eisler, and her family farmed in the Effingham/Nortonville area. After graduating from Atchison High School in 1955, she married John J. Little, Jr., known as "Jack," on October 8, 1961. Together, they raised three children.
Nina is remembered for her service, strong faith and her commitment to her church. She joined Wyatt Park Baptist Church with her family after moving to St. Joseph in the early 1970s. She was engaged in women’s groups, participated in mission trips, supported her spouse in the role of Deacon, and raised her children within the church community. She served as office manager of Wyatt Park Daycare for 22 years, earning affection from parents and children alike, often reconnecting with them in the community. Alongside her husband, she also volunteered for the Open Door Food Kitchen for close to 30 years.
Nina dedicated herself to managing the household and raising their three children. She prepared home-cooked meals, baked, and sewed for her girls and the home. In addition to her commitment as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, she enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening and was an avid reader.
Nina was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Jack, and her son John. She is survived by daughters Julie Weber (Dennis) of Salida, CO, and Nicole Little of St. Joseph, MO; grandchildren Jesse Johnson, Cierra Smith, and Lucas Weber; and sisters Gladys, Betty and Nancy Burdette of Colorado.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Saturday, April 18, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Sugar Creek Cemetery, Rushville, MO. The family will gather with friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to The Open Door Food Kitchen, 615 South 8th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501.
