Dorothy E Nichols

11/25/1930 to 7/31/2026

Our mother, Dorothy E. Nichols, made that wonderful cross over into Heaven on July 31, 2026, at Regional West where she was being treated for an infection. She had wonderful care there, under the direction of Dr. Westerfeld and staff.

She lived a full life of 95 years and was absolutely ready to go. The dementia might think it won the battle but we’re giving God all the credit on selecting the time for her to go home where she was reunited with her husband, parents, siblings and friends.

The family lovingly asks that memorials be sent to Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter (www.alz.org to donate). Family will be spreading Dorothy’s ashes at a later date. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com for the Nichols family. Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dorothy E Pester was born to Jacob and Elizabeth (Rein) Pester on November 25, 1930. Jacob and Elizabeth emigrated from Russia and bought a farm in the Lake Alice Community. Dorothy was the 7th child with 2 older sisters and 4 brothers. Dorothy and her family lived on their family farm in Lake Alice Community. Crops raised were beets, beans and corn. Dorothy and her sister Lorraine hoed beans in the summer time while brothers helped their dad on the farm and oldest sister Mollie stayed at home to help their mother.

Dorothy’s schooling began at Lake Alice School which she attended through the tenth grade. One of her favorite activities was softball in which Dorothy became known as the best pitcher. Mom’s best friend was the catcher, Edna Marker. After tenth grade mom and older sister Lorraine, were driven into Scottsbluff to attend Scottsbluff high school for her 11th and 12th grade. Her graduating class consisted of 194 students and Dorothy was on the honor roll her senior year.

After graduation Dorothy and sister Lorraine moved into an apartment in Scottsbluff. Dorothy was employed at North Central Company for about 3 years. Dorothy switched jobs and worked at Western Adjustment and Inspection company where her duties included clerical duties such as typing the insurance claims. While working, a good friend, Bonnie Jo Grabill, worked in an office next door to where Dorothy worked and set up a blind date with Lon A. Nichols in l954. Dorothy and Lon were married on August 28, 1955. The young couple moved to Melbeta, Nebraska where they lived there for 58 years.

Lon and Dorothy had three daughters-Tami, Jenny and Lonelle, raising their family on the family farm where cattle, sheep, beans, beets, corn and alfalfa were grown. Dorothy was often seen helping Lon set irrigation tubes, driving beet truck, and determined to hoe out weeds in their row crops with her three daughters.

A large garden by their house supplied the family and neighbors with fresh produce (especially the sweet corn!) which was also canned and stored for use in the winter. Dorothy enjoyed her garden and always had a couple of rows of red and white gladiola’s, which was Lon’s favorite.

Her baking skills provided cinnamon rolls and coffee cake to Al’s Café, where the local farmers would meet each morning for coffee. Family holiday meals at the Nichols home with her parents, siblings and their families provided everyone attending great food and fellowship. Always having enough food was never a problem at the Nichols.

Dorothy looked forward to her weekly golf outings with her lady friends, playing bridge and planned outings with friends for dinner. When going out she would always dress in her favorite colors of peach, polka dots and black and white.

Dorothy was a member and attended church at Melbeta Methodist Church where Dorothy was active in helping make noodles for the Annual Lords Acre Day event. Dorothy taught Vacation Bible School and put her baking cookie skills to the task of supplying cookies.

Dorothy took her daughters for swimming lessons although Dorothy was afraid of water. Dorothy worked briefly at Melbeta Public Schools as a secretary while the girls attended school there.

Melbeta at one time had a potato cutting business in which Dorothy and her friend Lorine Guettler would go down and work taking their children with them. Cut potatoes were then used for planting in the fields.

Dorothy supported their daughters in livestock 4-H. She was seen helping exercise the sheep or calves, washing lambs and cattle in their yard and adapting to the week long stays up at the Mitchell fair to attend the showing of their animals. Later the same support was provided to grandchildren active in 4-H.

Dorothy loved her grandchildren and was often baking or cooking whatever was their favorite thing to eat. They especially loved her cucumbers in vinegar, fried chicken, apple pie, fried potatoes rice crispy treats.

Lon and Dorothy loved traveling to all their girls’ and grandchildren’s sports activities. They both enjoyed playing golf together with friends. Their many trips included Hawaii, Texas, California, Florida, Colorado, South Dakota, and numerous Naval Reunion trips that Lon participated in.

As Dorothy was the youngest in her immediate family, she was the last to pass away. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Lon; sisters Mollie Cottrell and Lorraine Abel; and brothers Eddie, Jake, Henry, and Alex; and her parents Jacob and Elizabeth Pester.

Survivors include her daughter’s- Tami Winchell (Barry), Jenny Jefferson (Randy), and Lonelle Gould (Brad). Also surviving her are eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

The farm was sold and Dorothy and Lon moved to Scottsbluff. They made their home at Stoney Creek in Scottsbluff for 8 years until Lon passed away in December of 2017.

After her husband, Lon, passed away after 62 years of marriage, Dorothy decided to move into an apartment in the Residency, Independent Living. Dorothy enjoyed living among her Lake Alice school friends, farm friends from Melbeta and surrounding areas as well. Her love of gardening followed her there and she enjoyed raising beans, cucumbers and tomatoes in their community garden.

With a decline of health, Dorothy was moved to the Assisted Living and later Full Care side of The Residency where she lived until passing away. Special thanks to the Residency for the many years of care provided to her.