Alice "Nicki" Stella Kohfield

A native of Manitou, OK, Nicki was the beloved daughter of the Alma Clyde and Charles Lafayette Nichols.

Preceding her were Nicki’s brother, Hubert, and two sisters, Chloriese and Winnie.

Nicki is survived by her sister Lou Kentopp and daughters Kathy (and Darrell) Patterson and Beverly (and Jeff) Novak.

Nicki migrated to Fresno in 1945 to join her elder sister Winnie. In 1946 she started working for Gottschalks where she could regularly be seen in the jewelry and accessories department and would eventually become manager. It was in Fresno that she met her first Husband, Eldie (Bud) Palmer, and in 1951 they married and settled down. Nicki and Bud enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and spent many vacations hunting arrowheads. Nicki and Bud were not blessed with children but shared their love generously with nieces and nephews. After 27 years of happiness, Nicki was widowed suddenly when Bud was found deceased on their ranch property in Fresno.

A very close friend, Gil Kohfield, helped Nicki through this rough period in her life and soon the two of them fell in love. In 1979 Nicki and Gil were married in a small ceremony in Fresno and spent the next 22 years traveling and enjoying life; flying and fishing the Sierra’s, Alaska and Canada. In 1994, the two of them built their dream home in Auberry, CA.

After 45 years Nikki retired from Gottschalks and devoted herself to many local service organizations including the Fresno Chapter of the Central Valley Aviation Association, Fresno County Sheriff's Air Squadron - Search and Rescue, Women’s Service Club of Auberry, the Barnabas Team with the Auberry Community Church, Eastern Fresno County Historical Society, and she was especially fond of her time with the Wish-I-Ah Healthcare Center where she and her best friend “Buddy” (a yellow lab) would offer comfort to the retired citizens at the center. Nicki was always ready with a laugh or a prank; she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. And if by chance you hear an angelic voice singing over your shoulder, know that Nicki is watching over you.

On Sept 8th at 9:30am a graveside service will be held for Nicki at Tollhouse Cemetery in Tollhouse, CA. A memorial service will follow at 11am at the Auberry Community Church (33896 Powerhouse Rd, Auberry), with a remembrance in Nicki’s honor to share memories.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Auberry Community Church, PO Box 207, Auberry, CA 93602.