Lois Jean Nichols

Born July 30, 1927 to George and Margaret Smith (Van Douser), Lois lived and later graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in St. Johns. After graduation and the end of WWII, she married Mahlon (Nick) Nichols, a former classmate, and moved to Duluth, Minnesota where they began a family. They later moved to Mahlon’s childhood home on a farm located in Riley Twp. Lois and Mahlon raised 5 children on the farm known as Jericho which is a centennial farm still owned by several members of the family.

During her life, Lois drove school bus for the St. Johns School system and cooked for several years at the Wheel Inn in St. Johns and Sam’s Kitchen in DeWitt. In addition to raising their family, Lois and Mahlon opened their home to 11 foreign exchange students from 5 countries as well as hosting many nieces and nephews for summers on the farm. When asked about hosting so many exchanges students Lois once said, “I knew I couldn’t give my children the World so I brought the World to them and there was always room for one more at the table.”

When asked what her interests were, Lois listed, quilting, gardening, fishing, baking, and all of her grandchildren. Wherever Lois went, she found a way to give back. Lois was recognized for her philanthropic work as a recipient of the Hope Award given by the Jericho Foundation. Additionally, Lois made quilts for veterans at the VA home, hats for burn victims, and dresses for young girls in Haiti.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years Mahlon; her parents, Margaret and George Smith; and sibling, Georgia Joan Butler (Smith). She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Jim (Ronda) Nichols, Kathy (John) Kinkema, Michael (Michelle) Nichols, Joanna (Mike) Shields and Scott (Candi) Nichols; 15 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

The gift Lois gave to everyone was her grace, her persistence, her love, and her never-ending smile.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes DeWitt Chapel, 205 E Washington St., DeWitt, MI 48820. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Lois' memory may be made to the Jericho Foundation (Kalamazoo), 7170 Beatrice Dr., Suite B, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or online at https://www.jerichofoundation.org/give