Lois Ann Nichols

Lois Ann Nichols, 52, passed away unexpectedly March 24, 2015, of natural causes at her residence.

She was born Jan. 23, 1963, in Wolf Point to Donell and Ardis (Eliason) Nichols. She was raised on the family farm outside of Frazer, attending elementary school in Frazer. In 1976 she attended Junior High school in Glasgow and went on to be a Scottie, graduating from GHS in 1981. She continued her education at Northern Montana College, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in 1985.

She moved to Helena and worked for the Catholic Diocese there for a year before returning to Havre to work for the Hill County Commissioners. She remained with the commissioners' office until her death. She worked countless hours helping everyone who came into the courthouse with a smile.

She enjoyed embroidery, genealogy and spending time with her partner, working with horses on the farm at Sunburst. She always remembered special occasions for others, making graduation quilts for all of her stepchildren and son, and remembering birthdays and holidays.

Decorations always lit up her area and were worth a good chuckle. Her laugh was infectious. Her company was delightful. Many claimed her as a daughter, more as a sister, all as a friend. She was an aura of love to all who knew her. She had a way of making you laugh until you cried. She will be deeply missed by all.

She made trips to Helena to see government in action. She loved traveling to visit family and friends, for work or pleasure. She spent endless hours researching an adventure she was planning in England.

Her greatest pride and joy was Nicholas. She raised him to be a gentle courteous man with her wisdom. He carries on her sweet legacy and she does not leave us.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donell O. Nichols.

Survivors include one son, Nicholas Mader of Havre; her partner, Gwen Marshall of Sunburst; two stepsons, Ben Mader and his wife, Lindsey, and Colby Mader and his wife, Kelsie, all of Havre; two stepdaughters, Ashley and Kendra Mader of Arizona; her mother, Ardis Nichols of Glasgow; four sisters, Donna Nichols of Glasgow, Janet Irwin and her husband, Al, of Lincoln, Neb., Paula Nichols of Spokane, Wash., and Elaine Nichols of Bozeman; one brother, Loren Nichols, of Billings; one uncle, Gordon Eliason and his wife, Alice, of Billings; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place, and memorial services were March 30 at First Lutheran Church with Pastor Linda Rose officiating. Her family has requested that memorial donations be made in Lois' name to Nicholas Mader College Fund c/o Independence Bank, 435 3rd Street, Havre, MT 59501, or to the charity of the donor's choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home was entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Lois' online memorial page to leave condolencea at hollandbonine.com.