Hilda Nichols

Nichols, Hilda F. 1400 Bronson Way Kalamazoo, MI Hilda Nichols, 91, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2016 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Hilda graduated from Vandalia High School in 1943. After WWII, Hilda worked for the government processing returning soldiers and met her future husband, LeRoy Nichols, from Coldwater, MI. Hilda and LeRoy were married on August 10, 1947, and he preceded her in death on January 7, 2010. They raised their family in Kalamazoo until 1959 when they moved to Galesburg. Hilda worked with her husband as the office manager at Peters Construction Company until she retired in 1990. She contributed to many community organizations including 4-H, Girl Scouts, Sunnyside Methodist Church, and leadership at Camp Merrie-Woode. She also helped form the Ruth's Circle at the Galesburg Methodist Church. She knitted and donated hats for babies at the hospitals. Throughout her life, Hilda was always busy with hobbies including gardening, quilting, puzzles, needle crafts, playing cards, golf, walking, birding, fishing, boating, antiquing, and antique doll collecting. She enjoyed a glass of wine. She loved spending time with her friends and family. She is survived by her four daughters: Sharon Nichols and Dave Murray, Suzanna and Roger Falk, Sandy and Craig Hunter, and Becky Nichols and Chris Heilman. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Brian and Lori Hale, Bob Hale, Jennifer and AJ Robison, Kimberly and Jesse Fleming, Jacob Falk, Emily and Jill Shagonaby, Garry Hunter, Cassandra Hunter and Jeff Encke, Diana Hunter, Sam Nichols, and Olivia Nichols, many great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. In addition to her beloved husband, Hilda was also preceded in death by her parents and four siblings. Cremation has taken place and a service to celebrate the lives of both Hilda and LeRoy will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. The family will greet guests one hour prior to the service and a reception will follow at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ; or the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Please visit Hilda's personalized web page for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence at www.langelands.com