Josephine M. Nichols

Josephine Marie (Anderson) Nichols, age 90, of Clarion, passed away Wednesday morning December 19, 2007 at her home.

Funeral Services for Josephine Nichols will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 10:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Clarion with Pastor Gary Boen officiating.  Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.

Visitation for Josephine Nichols will be held on Friday, December 21, 2007 from 5:00 until 7:00 PM at the Ewing Dugger Funeral Home, 602 North Main Street, in Clarion and continue one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.

Josphine was born November 26, 1917 in Kanawha, Iowa to George and Antonia (Hovland) Anderson.  In 1935 she graduated from Belmond High School and later worked as an operator at the local telephone company.

Josephine married Eldo R. Nichols of Clarion on February 1, 1940 in Missouri.  They moved to a farm near Galt then returned to Clarion in 1950 where they farmed and raised their children until retirement in 1981.  Josephine and Eldo then moved to their home in Clarion which became and remained a hub for family gatherings.

Josephine was a lifetime member of the First Lutheran Church in Clarion.  She was a brilliant and active woman throughout her life.  From her many high school clubs, to farming, to cooking great meals, to bridge club, to fishing, to State Commander and national Adjutant of Navy Mothers, to raising her seven children.  Josephine always added a caring touch that was felt through all who knew her.  She was a true patriot, a good friend and a great Mom.  She is loved by all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

Josephine is survived by her daughters: Joan Lomas and her husband Cliff of Olney, Illinois; Beth Schultz and her husband Paul Schultz of Clarion; and Jean Ridenour and her husband Jim of Clarion; her sons:  Nick Nichols and his wife Elaine of Clarion; Willard Nichols and his wife Carolyn of Pensacola, Florida; and Steve Nichols and his wife Macrina of Chicago, Illinois; 15 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and her brother Paul Anderson of Eagle Grove.

Josephine was preceded in death by her parents; husband Eldo; son Keith Nichols; brothers Arnold and Otis; and two sisters Norma and Lucille.