Dr. Barbara Mae Armbruster

Dr. Barbara Mae Armbruster joined her eldest daughter, Mary Beth Franta and our Father in Heaven on Friday, November 19th 2021. She was surrounded by her three surviving children, Stephen (Kari) Nitzschke, Lori Nitzschke and Eric Nitzschke and her two grandchildren, Brandon and Ashley Franta.

Barbara was born in Sioux City, Iowa, on November 24th 1937. She was an incredibly accomplished woman who devoted most of her life to education and much of that time was spent serving the under-privileged, teaching children with learning disabilities in the states of Ohio, Iowa, and Nevada. She was a force of nature that inspired excellence in others.

Graduating from Heelan Catholic High School in 1955, she earned a bachelor’s degree at Clarke University in 1959 and a master’s degree in education from Ohio University in 1975. In 1995, at the age 58, she went back to school and obtained a doctoral degree in Educational Administration from the University of New Mexico.

She was High School Principal at Iowa City West, in Iowa City, Iowa and a school superintendent in Belen, New Mexico. For a brief period, she served as Director for Presbyterian Medical Services in Farmington, New Mexico. In 2001 Barbara moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and joined the Clark County School District teaching middle school children with learning disabilities.

Standing at 5’7” and just over 100 lbs, Barbara was never afraid of conflict but always the consummate peacekeeper. She was a loving maverick, avid reader, and a genuine soul who wore her heart on her sleeve. She touched many people in a profound way. Her beauty, strength, wit, and intellect will endure forever.

For 84 years family, friends and colleagues had the privilege of sharing her love, kindness, and candor. She will be missed and forever cherished in our hearts.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Armbruster family.