Obituary - Lois Ann Nichols

Lois Ann Nichols, 52, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at her residence.

Cremation has taken place, and memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2015, at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Linda Rose officiating.

Her family has requested that memorial donations be made in Lois' name to the Nicholas Mader College Fund in care of Independence Bank, 435 3rd St., Havre, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Lois' online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for her family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Lois was born on Jan. 23, 1963, in Wolf Point to Donell and Ardis (Eliason) Nichols. She was raised on the family farm outside of Frazer, attending elementary school in Frazer. In 1976 Lois attended junior high school in Glasgow and went on to be a Scottie, graduating from Glasgow High School in 1981. She continued her education at Northern Montana College that fall, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in 1985.

Lois moved to Helena and worked for the Catholic Diocese there for a year before returning to Havre to work for the Hill County Commissioners. She remained with the county commissioners office until her death. She worked countless hours helping everyone who came into the courthouse, greeting them with a smile and hello.

Lois enjoyed embroidery, genealogy and spending time with her partner working with the horses on the farm at Sunburst. Lois always remembered special occasions for others, making graduation quilts for all of her stepchildren and son, and remembering birthdays and holidays. Decorations always lit up her area and were worth a good chuckle. Her laugh was infectious. Her company was delightful. Many claimed her as a daughter, more as a sister, all as a friend. She was an aura of love to all who knew her. Lois had a way of making you laugh until you cried. She will be deeply missed by all.

She made multiple trips to Helena to see government in action and enjoyed time with her family. She loved traveling to visit family and friends or for work or pleasure. Lois spent endless hours researching an adventure she was planning to have in England. Travel was a passion of hers.

Her greatest pride and joy and the apple of her eye is Nicholas. She raised him to be a gentle, courteous man with her wisdom. He carries on her sweet legacy, and she does not leave us.

Lois was preceded in death by her father, Donell O. Nichols.

She is survived by her son, Nicholas Mader of Havre; her partner, Gwen Marshall of Sunburst; her stepsons, Ben (Lindsey) and Colby (Kelsie) Mader, all of Havre; her stepdaughters, Ashley and Kendra Mader of Arizona; her mother, Ardis Nichols of Glasgow; her sisters, Donna Nichols of Glasgow, Janet (Al) Irwin of Lincoln, Nebraska, Paula Nichols of Spokane, Washington, and Elaine Nichols of Bozeman; her brother, Loren Nichols of Billings; her uncle, Gordon (Alice) Eliason of Billings; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.