Aletha Marie Nicholas

Aletha Marie Nicholas, 92, passed away on April 21, 2011 at her home in Phoenix, AZ surrounded by her family. Aletha was born on January 2, 1919 in St. Mary's IL. She married James E. Nicholas Sr. on August 8, 1945 in Bushnell, IL, where they raised their seven children. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter, Georgia Calhoun, her parents, Daniel and Olive Lewis, 2 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, and 13 brothers and sisters. She is survived by 6 children, James E. Nicholas Jr. (Carol), Phoenix, AZ, Mary Rosales, Sun City, AZ, Linda Wilson, Phoenix, AZ, Jerry Nicholas (Lori), Payson, AZ, Debra Carpenter (Dennis), Starr, SC, and David Nicholas (Janelle), Scottsdale, AZ. Also carrying on Grandma's legacy are 26 grandchildren, 58 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren. Aletha sold Avon in Bushnell for over 30 years. She was a member of the Bushnell Christian Church and the Checkrow Community Church. She was also a member of TOPS and KOPS in Bushnell. She loved to crochet and embroidery handmade kitchen towels for her family and friends. Her favorite pastimes were playing dominoes, rummy, and baking her famous sugar cookies. Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 25, 2011, 3:00pm at Christ's Church of the Valley, 7007 W. Happy Valley Road, Peoria, AZ 85383. Funeral services will be held at Martin-Hollis Funeral Home in Bushnell, IL, on Saturday, April 30, 2011; visitation 12-2 pm, funeral service2 pm. Burial will follow at the Bushnell cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice Family Care, 1550 S. Alma School Road, Mesa, AZ 85202. www.ALMoore-Grimshaw.com