Brenda Nichols

Brenda was a bright light that shined when talking about her faith with God and her love for music. Her way of praising God, came mostly from her playing the piano, singing and writing songs about her love for the Lord. Brenda passed away, peacefully, in her home on February 19, 2026.

Brenda was born on August 9, 1960 in New Castle, IN, to Herbert Thomas and Juanita Caldwell. Brenda attended New Castle Chrysler High School before receiving her Bachelors degree in Nursing. Nursing was one of Brenda’s greatest gifts, as she loved to help others, gave her patients all of her love and care, and traveled overseas for missionary work. Nursing was one of Brenda's biggest passions, and loved serving others.

Brenda met the love of her life, Steve Nichols, in 1998, in the cath lab at Ball Memorial Hospital. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on August 21, 1999.

Brenda enjoyed spending time with her step daughter, Casey Nichols. Shortly after, Brenda and Steve were happy to announce starting their family with their first born, Chessea Nichols. Three years later, with a family of 5, they had their second born, Elly Nichols.

Brenda lived a life of serving others throughout her life. Whether that be working as a nurse, or just a helping hand. With that, she made friends along the way, everywhere she went, including life long friends.

Brenda was a devoted Christian at Destiny Christian Center where she sang her heart out for the Lord and played the piano until her fingers were numb. Church was always home for Brenda, and she instilled the love she had for the Lord, in her family.

Brenda loved to travel the world before settling her life down. She traveled to places like Jamaica, Mexico, the Caribbean, etc. Another one of Brenda’s hobbies was writing songs. How the lyrics would flow effortlessly and how each song was unique in their own way. It was pure magic.

Brenda will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, her warm hugs, her sweet soul and her deep, genuine love for her family.

We’ll always imagine hearing Brenda say “Can I pray for you?” just because of the love she had for everyone that surrounded her. We couldn’t have asked for a better spouse, sister, mother and friend.

Brenda Nichols was preceded in death by Mother and Father Thomas and Juanita Caldwell, Step-grandson Jensen Maritime-Ehmer and Cousins Vonda and Duane Carter.

Brenda Nichols is survived by husband Stephen Ray Nichols, Daughter Chessea Olivia Rees Nichols, Daughter Isabel Eleanor Rhea Nichols, Step-daughter Casey Elizabeth Nichols (Travis Sayne), Mother and father in law Larry Owen Nichols and Linda Faye Nichols, Sister Vicky Alsip, Nephew Tanner Alsip, Niece Taylor Alsip (Roman Flores), Great nephew Kainin Flores and Granddaughter Emory Kay Clark.

Visitation will take place at Elm Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Park on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 4:00-8:00pm. Funeral service will take place at Elm Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Friday, February 27, 2026, at 1:00 pm.