Shirley Mae Nichols, 78, of Auburn, Nebraska was born on March 27, 1944 in Runnells, Iowa and was the seventh of eight children born to William and Emily (Uitermarkt) Booy. She attended country school near Oskaloosa, Iowa through seventh grade and graduated in 1962 from Oskaloosa High School. On March 2, 1991, Shirley was united in marriage to Claude Eugene Nichols. They celebrated more than three wonderful decades of marriage while living in Scottsdale, Arizona, Oskaloosa, Iowa and moving back to Auburn, Nebraska in 2006.
Shirley had many skills and passions throughout her life. She was an avid reader of books, an amazing decorator, card player, Altrusa member, and she loved attending bible studies. She kept busy raising successful children, RVing and traveling with Claude, and staying in close contact with her family and many friends. As her life went on, Shirley continued to impact many and became known as the perfect wife, mother, mother-in-law, and especially “grandma”. She embraced her Dutch Heritage and loved flowers, especially yellow tulips.
Shirley was known for her strong unwavering faith and she radiated a joyful heart to all who knew her. Shirley will be missed by many, but we are thankful that she is now celebrating in Heaven. On December 28, 2022, Shirley passed peacefully into Jesus’ arms in her home while surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and one brother.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Claude Nichols of Auburn, NE; children: Curtis Witzenburg and wife Molly of Omaha, NE; Darcie Mosier and husband Mark of Kerrville, TX; Todd Nichols and wife Dana of Omaha, NE; Amanda Hall and husband Ben of Auburn, NE; Peggy Brammer of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren: Maggie, Emily, Grant, Courtney, Justin, Connor, Lilly, Cici, Hayden, Bradley, Owen; great-grandchildren: Crue and Devryn; one sister, four brothers and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2023, at the Brownville Christian Church, 522 Main Street in Brownville, Nebraska with Rev. Mike Wenig officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at Arbor Manor in Auburn from 12-2p.m.
Private graveside services will take place at the Sheridan Cemetery in Auburn at a later date. Memorials contributions are suggested to the family and will be distributed to Shirley’s favorite charities.
Condolences can be shared online at www.hallfuneral.net
Services entrusted to Hall Funeral Chapel-707 15th Street-Auburn, NE 68305 (402) 274-3131
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