M. Lois Nichols

Born December 26, 1925 in Pekin to Opal Wesley (O.W.) and Thelma Cleo (Schember) Sutton, she married Loren R. Schappaugh on October 8, 1945.  She then married Charles M. Nichols on May 19, 1973 in Pekin.  He survives in Monticello.

Also surviving are two sons, Eldon L. (Sandy) Schappaugh of East Peoria, IL and David R. (Jo Ann) Schappaugh of Pontiac, IL; one step-daughter, Sandra (Larry) Combs of Jacksonville, AR; four grandchildren, Sarah Schappaugh, Ben (Rebecca) Schappaugh, Matt Schappaugh, all of Bloomington, IL and Scott Schappaugh of Minier, IL and one great-grandchild.  She also leaves her special cousin, Bill J. Williams of Pekin, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her dear aunt, Ella Williams.

She was a charter member of the First Freewill Baptist Church in Monticello, where she loved to sing and play both the organ and piano and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary.  She also was a former member and organist of the Pekin Bible Church. 

Lois was a homemaker and a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.  She previously had worked for several years at the Carp's Department Store in Pekin as the ladies department manager.  She last worked for Traveler's Insurance in Peoria, IL for 11 years as an office clerk. 

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but is now with her Heavenly Father.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.  The Rev. Harold L. Pothoven will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour before services at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Freewill Baptist Church, Highway 278 West, Monticello, AR 71657 or Pekin Bible Church, 2405 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.