Beverly Nichols, 89, of Allegan died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, from lung cancer. She was born in Allegan in 1927 to Arthur and Mary Hare. She had one sibling, Barbara (Sam) Yennelli.
She studied piano for 10 years and was blessed with the gift of also playing by ear. After graduation from Allegan High School in 1943, she attended Lake Forest College where she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority. She worked her way through six years of college by doing housework in faculty homes, finishing with a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Michigan.
Beverly married her high school sweetheart Don Nichols in 1947. After two years of school teaching, she settled into her chosen life work as mother to five children, Mary Vollman (George) of Allegan, Arthur of Novi and Gibson (Annette) of Dearborn and John and Donn who preceded her in death along with husband Don. Five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren survive.
Don and Beverly lived for 50 years in Dearborn where Don was employed by Ford Motor Company. After 71 years away, Beverly returned to Allegan in 2014.
Beverly enjoyed book clubs, the Presbyterian Church, giving homes to stray cats, feeding birds and counted as two of her best friends, Labrador Retrievers "Waldo" and "Slater."
As a member of a family that homesteaded in Allegan Township in 1852, Beverly was an avid historian. Theirs was a football family since her husband and one son had been on University of Michigan teams. She was licensed to teach high school English so appreciated proper grammar and the creative use of language. She liked memorizing and put the faculty to good use quoting scripture which was her anchor.
The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Saturday, Jan. 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a memorial service to immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010 or to any animal charity of one's choice.
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