Verena M. Nichols

WAPAKONETA

Verena M. Nichols, 95, of rural Wapakoneta, died at 2:33 p.m. July 3, 2011, at Wapakoneta Manor.

She was born Jan. 20, 1916, in Stratford, Ontario, to Gideon P. and Sarah Wilhelm Steiner, who preceded her in death. On April 25, 1948, she married Walter F. Nichols, who died March 30, 1977.

Mrs. Nichols was the eldest of seven children. She had fond memories of being from a large family and kept close relationships with her siblings all her life. She was a 1934 graduate of Bluffton High School. As a young adult, she was a housekeeper and maid for several families in Lima, and later worked for Meter Works, Bluffton. A farm wife and homemaker, family had always been the center of her life, and they have many memories of the delicious meals she could put together in a moment's notice. She always delighted friends, guests and grandchildren with her wonderful cookies. She was a member of Mount Tabor United Methodist Church, Clay Township, for 57 years. She taught Sunday school, Bible school, and was a youth leader and member of the Women's Christian Society. She was a member of the Farm Council and Gideons International. She was a servant at heart and considered the Lord to be the stabilizing force in her life.

Survivors include two children, William (Margie) Nichols, of Bellefontaine, and Anna Mary (Jerry) LaMarr, of Wapakoneta; seven grandchildren, Greg (Lynn) Nichols, Matt (Jennifer) Nichols, Justin(Carolee) Nichols, Dustin (Michell) Nichols, Chris (Sara) LaMarr, Ryan (Erin) LaMarr, and Kelli LaMarr; 16 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Slusser, of Celina, and Muriel Wiseley, of Arcadia; and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Steiner, of Bluffton.

She was preceded in death by three brothers, Gideon, Woodrow and Frank Steiner; and a sister, Hilda Reichenbach.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, state Route 501, Wapakoneta. Pastor Michael Westbay will officiate. Burial will follow in the Mount Tabor Cemetery, Clay Township.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Tabor United Methodist Church or Gideons International.

Condolences may be expressed at www.bayliffandeleyfh.com.