Dorothy Velma Nichols was born July 26, 1910, to Perry and Lockey (Wright) Christiancy on a farm in Chelsea Township in Fillmore County, and passed away Dec.16, .1999, at the Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva at the age of 89 years, 4 months and 16 days. She was one of 9 children in the family.

At the age of one her family moved to a farm northwest of Geneva where she lived until she was married. She attended school in District 81, Fillmore County and Geneva High School where she graduated as Salutatorian of the class of 1928. She taught school in Districts 81 and 7.

She was married to Royal Herbert Nichols Dec. 24, 1928. To this union were born three children; two sons, Royal Herbert Jr. and James Clayton and one daughter Delores Maxine.

After she was married she joined the United Methodist Church of Fairmont. Later transferring her membership to the United Methodist Church of Geneva where she was still a member.

They stared their married life on a farm a mile north of where she grew up. Later moving to a farm northwest of Geneva where they lived for thirty-four years. During the depression she made toys for the children, as money was scarce. Her hobbies were carpenter work and other outdoor work. She loved to help with the irrigating. Outdoor work was more enjoyable to Dorothy than housework.

She and her husband were faithful members of the Grange. They were members of the Silver Link Rebekah Lodge. She was a member until they gave up their charter in 1979.

She enjoyed painting pictures and belonged to the art club. She loved to bowl and play golf. While they were still living on the farm she belonged to the West Blue Township extension club.

She and her husband belonged to the Square Dance Club and attended many festivals. Every Christmas the Nichols yard was full of Christmas scenes. Dorothy would think of something different every year and received the Grange award many times for her display.

Her husband passed away March 27, 1966. After he died she moved to Lincoln for two years and worked at St. Elizabeth cafeteria. She was called by the Youth Development Center of Geneva to see if she would cook there. She came back to Geneva and worked there for seven years, retiring at 65. She then bought a place in Geneva and started working at Heritage of Geneva where she worked for 8 years retiring again at the age of 74.

She was preceded in death by her husband; father and mother; four brothers, Harold, Walter, Lyle and Donald; four sisters, Hazel Miller, Margaret who died in infancy, Verla Bouchard and Ruby Nichols.

She is survived by her children, Royal Herbert Nichols and wife Georgia of Dallas, Texas; Delores Delaney of Lincoln, and James Nichols and wife Cathy of Lincoln; grandchildren Andrew and Lucinda Nichols, Jeff, Angela and Chris Nichols, Michael and Don Delaney and Jacki Botts; nine great grandchildren and two step great grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren and two step great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted from the United Methodist Church in Geneva on Wednesday, Dec.22, 1999, with Rev. Brian Kottas officiating. Susan Kleinschmidt accompanied Lucinda Nichols who sang "Surely the Presence" and "On Eagles Wings."

Casket bearers were Andrew Nichols, Don Delaney, Jeff Nichols, Stanley Nichols, Brandon Delaney and Roger Pittard.

Interment was in the Geneva Public Cemetery with Farmer & Son Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Memorials are directed to the Geneva Senior Center.

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The family of Dorothy Nichols wish to thank her many friends, neighbors and care givers for the many acts of kindness to Dorothy and her family during her last few months of failing health and upon her sudden death.

ROYAL H NICHOLS JR. ANDFAMILY,

DELORES DELANEY AND FAMILY,

JAMES C. NICHOLS AND FAMILY.