Agnes V. Nichols' Obituary
Precious mother and grandmother, Agnes Victoria Nichols passed into glory on December 22, 2013 for a wonderful family reunion with Jesus and all those who preceded her in death—husband Vernon, daughter Verna Stevens, parents August and Ingeborg Erickson, five brothers and five sisters, and other family members and friends. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints, His loving ones. Psalm 116:15 AMP
She is survived by daughters Karen Holt of Carmichael, and Jan Orsini (Joseph) of Rocklin; sons Ray Nichols (Jean) of Roseville, Eric Nichols (Wendy) of Citrus Heights, and Greg Nichols (Debbie) of Roseville; 25 grandchildren (18 spouses), 44 great-grandchildren, (13 spouses), and 5 great-great grandchildren; brother Raymond Erickson (Maureen) of Freemont, California and many nephews and nieces.
Agnes was 91–born May 26, 1922 in Ft. Pierre, South Dakota. She came to California in 1940 where she met her dream boat Vern Nichols who was an electrician. They married December 7th, 1940 in Woodland, California and eventually settled in North Highlands where they raised their six children..
During the war, Agnes worked in the Del Monte Cannery in Woodland; before and after, she worked as a medical assistant at Yolo General Hospital and in private convalescent hospitals. After raising her family, which was her passion, she worked for the Employment Development Department for 12 years before retiring.
Agnes was the last living charter member of Zion Lutheran Church in North Highlands which she and Vernon helped establish. For more than 30 years, she faithfully taught classes for all ages and played the piano for Sunday School. She loved the congregation and participated in many church events, completed an adult Christian education program called Bethel Series, and served tirelessly in children’s and women’s ministry.
Agnes’ greatest passion was living for Jesus and her family. She was humble, gracious, loving and fun. She loved meeting people, had an artistic nature which blossomed in later years, and loved to play songs on the piano that she learned growing up. She liked nothing better than fellowship with family and friends over a cup of coffee. Her children and grandchildren, though they number over one hundred—each feel they had a special relationship with her. She leaves a great legacy of faith and love, strength and dignity–and pretty awesome fudge and potato salad too!
A Memorial Service will be held for her at Zion Lutheran on Bolivar Ave. in North Highlands on Friday at 11:00 a.m., followed by lunch in Zion Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Zion Lutheran Church.
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