Nicole "Nikkie" Jean Brazeal

May 28, 1941 – April 12, 2026

Nikkie, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away peacefully in her sleep in Bakersfield, California, on April 12, 2026. She was 84 years old.

Born May 28, 1941, in Guthrie, Oklahoma to Donald Nolan and Mildred Altstatt. She was welcomed by big brother Donny. She and Donny spent much of their time with Mildred’s parents on the family farm while Mildred worked in Guthrie. At the age of 7, following the end of WWII and the loss of her father in the war, Nikkie moved with Mildred and Donny to Porterville, California where Nikkie attended St. Anne’s for both elementary and high school. In the following years Nikkie was blessed with four more siblings, Kay, Butch, Chris, and Kim. At the young age of 18 Nikkie married William (Bill) Kaiser and had three children: Billy, Debbie, and Kari. In those early years Nikkie worked hard as a waitress to help support her children. In 1975 she was blessed again, and met Dewey Brazeal, they were married in 1976 in Carson City, Nevada. She often recalled these next years as some of the best of her life as they worked, and managed, cattle ranches in Lincoln and Leona Valley, California. Nikkie and Dewey, along with Kari, later moved to Caliente. While still in Leona Valley Nikkie was fortunate to secure a job with the Department of Energy. The operation later transitioned to Bechtel Petroleum, Williams Brothers and finally to Occidental Petroleum, where she retired after 30 years. Retirement allowed her to pursue her four favorite things; granddaughters: Whitney, Kendal, Kallie and Sage. And pursue she did! Never missing a rodeo, horse show, dance competition, tennis match, track meet, or award ceremony, it did not matter, she was there. Usually arriving, hours early holding the seats (yes, she was one of those!). What a wonderful grandmother she was.

Nikkie carried the warmth and resilience of her southern roots with her throughout her life. Those who knew her will remember her for her humor, her sharp wit, her extreme bossiness, her green thumb and her unwavering devotion to her family. She was the heart of her home, finding joy in her grandchildren and gardening. She cherished time spent with Scooter, Kari and the girls, along with morning coffee on her patio, her daily Dr. Pepper, an occasional sniff of Amaretto, monthly card games with the Kaiser clan, and visits from her sisters. She was present at every major family event and was always willing to give support and advice (even when not asked). She loved with a depth and fierceness all her own, her loyalty beyond reproach. She will be greatly missed by multiple generations. Though we are all heartbroken we will not play 31, poker, complete a puzzle or eat her famous spaghetti, fried potatoes or biscuits and gravy around her table we are all extremely grateful for the time we did have. For any who was fortunate enough to have known Nikkie, you will be forever blessed. We are all better daughters, sons, granddaughters, sisters, nieces, nephews and friends for the time spent laughing and makin’ memories with Mom/Gam/Gammy/Nikkie.

Nikkie was preceded in death by brothers Donny Nolan and Butch Byars, her husband Dewey Brazeal and by her beloved children Billy and Debbie as well as many incredibly special family and friends.

She is forever, and lovingly, remembered by, her daughter Kari and son -in-law Scooter. Granddaughters Whitney, Kendal, Kallie, and Sage. Sisters Kim (Scott) Schulz, Kay (Mark) Boyer. Brother Chris Byars. Sister-in-law, Tressie. As well as many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

A memorial service will be held at Nikkie’s home, May 2, 2026, at noon, followed by lunch.