She was born December 13, 1969 to William and Julia (Wakefield) Roeske Jr. in La Mirada, CA. She married Robert Epperson July 16, 2005 in Bloomington, IL. He survives.
She is also survived by her mother; sons Ryan Epperson of Carlock, IL, and Brandon Clements of El Paso, IL, daughter Tasha Clements of El Paso, IL, stepsons Alan Epperson of Mattoon, IL, and David Epperson of Sitka, AK; sister Renee Roeske of Carlock, IL; maternal grandmother Amber Wakefield of Yorba Linda, CA; aunts Kathy McClelland of Whittier, CA, Loraine (Jeff) Grant of Yorba Linda, CA, uncles Ronald (Donna) Roeske and Richard (Diane) Roeske both of Bloomington, IL; mother-in-law Eva Loraine Epperson of Ashmore, IL, three brother-in-laws Chad Epperson of Ashmore, IL, Ray Epperson Jr. of West Plains, MO, Jacque Escoffier of San Diego, CA, one sister-in-law Denise Montgomery of Springfield, IL;
She was preceded in death by her father, paternal grandfather William Roeske Sr. and maternal grandfather James Wakefield, and father-in-law Ray Epperson Sr.
Nicole was a Registered Nurse at OSF St. Josephs for many years. But her family and friends would say she was known for her love of horses. She knew everything there was to know about horses, and she loved trail riding. She was a natural artist when it came to leather working, her family said she would make them wallets, belts, and keychains, horse costume wear and chaps. She also loved working with her hands, she had remodeled four houses. Her other passion was her garden, she would spend many hours gardening making sure everything was growing and as beautiful as they could be. Nicole will be missed deeply by her family and friends.
Nicole was also an avid supporter and important pit crew member for her son Ryan Epperson who is currently racing an NHRA Junior Dragster.
She also enjoyed building old cars with her husband Lafe. Her favorite part was scouring the old hidden treasure troves of junk yards when trying to find that missing part.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with East Lawn Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held Saturday June 22, 2019 at 3 p.m. at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington. Visitation will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Pastor Rob Roy will officiate. The family asks friends and family to bring and donate a photo of Nicole, so the family can keep these memories for years to come.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Nicole’s name to St. Jude Cancer Research.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.eastlawnmemorial.com.
