On the evening of September 19, 2013, Marshall Nichols passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital, Helena, Montana surrounded by his children. Marshall was 93 years old.
Marshall was born in Atlanta Township, Becker County, Minnesota on March 20, 1920 to Harley and Julia (Ellingson) Nichols, the youngest of five.
Marshall married Betty Faus September 11, 1940 and they traveled from Minnesota to Sidney Montana by way of California. After working on farms around the Sidney area they answered an ad, accepting a job at Spring Coulee Ranch, Highwood, Montana where they spent the remainder of their working years. They raised a son, Curtis Nichols (Kathy) and two daughters, Jeanie Doyle Singler (Richard) and Sharon Wichman (John). In retirement they moved to Lakeside, Montana on Flathead Lake. After encountering health challenges they moved to Helena, Montana to be near their son. There Betty passed away.
When not working as a farmer Marshall spent his time hunting, fishing, and rebuilding old tractors. He also played cribbage with family and friends, considering himself the champion among them. They may argue that point. His faithful companion in his later years was his black Labrador, Casey.
He was also active in his church and community in all the locations where they lived, and supported the National Rifle Association.
Marshall was preceded into death by his wife, Betty, parents Harley and Julia Nichols, sisters Lyla Bartlett and Genevieve Tennison and brothers Lowell and Wallace Nichols.
In addition to his son, daughters and their spouses, Marshall is survived by nine grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, and one great great granddaughter. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service will be held for the family on September 23, 2013 at Forestvale Cemetery, Helena, Montana with a memorial service to be held at a later date.
Special thanks is offered to Country Life Assisted Living, Montana City, for making his home with them comfortable and happy.
A memorial service will be held on November 2, 2013 at First Lutheran Church, 2231 E. Broadway, Helena, Montana, at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow at the church. The family suggests that memorial donations be made in Marshall’s name to: Highwood Community Scholarship, PO Box 31, Highwood, Montana 59450.
Larry and Loling Bickell says
To Curt, Kathy, and the Nichols Family,
We wish you happiness and peace as you celebrate your father’s long life.
Bryn Nichols says
To the children and family of Marshall Nichols, My sympathies to each of you for your loss. It feels like the end of a great era has come to an end with the passing of the last sibling. I truly hope that each of you finds peace in that he had such a long life. He always remembered my Grandmother – Irene Nichols each year after Wallace had passed on. I believe in my heart that each of them are enjoying the reunion above.
Susie Ripley says
Marshall & Betty were good friends of my grandparents, Dewey & Velma Burchak. Dewey and Marshall had many a crib game and both probably would have claimed the championship prize. I remember him from my childhood and then when my grandpa was in the nursing home Marshall would make an occasional trip to visit him. It was such a kind thing to do and meant a lot to my grandpa
Norman Smith says
During the time that Marshall was working for Lee Booth my folks had a small farm of 320 acres about 2 miles north of the Booth farm Joe and Pauline Smith were their names and I am reasonably sure that both knew Marshall. I grew up on that small farm and heard the name many times but not sure that I ever met Marshall. It was a different world those days and a man like him was highly respected.