Verena M. Nichols

Verena M. Nichols, 95, of rural Wapakoneta, died 2:33 p.m., Sun. July 3, 2011, at Wapakoneta Manor. She was born Jan. 20, 1916, in Stratford, Ontario, the daughter of Gideon P. & Sarah (Wilhelm) Steiner, who preceded her in death. On April 25, 1948, she married Walter F. Nichols, and he died March 30, 1977. Survivors include, 2 children, William (Margie) Nichols, Bellefontaine, OH, Anna Mary (Jerry) LaMarr, Wapakoneta, 7 grandchildren, Greg (Lynn) Nichols, Matt (Jennifer) Nichols, Justin(Carolee-correct spelling) Nichols, Dustin (Michell-correct spelling) Nichols, Chris (Sara) LaMarr, Ryan (Erin) LaMarr, & Kelli LaMarr, 16 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, Ruth Slusser, Celina, OH, & Muriel Wiseley, Arcadia, OH, A sister-in-law, Dorothy Steiner, Bluffton, OH. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Gideon, Woodrow, & Frank Steiner, and a sister, Hilda Reichenbach. Verena was the oldest of seven children. She had fond memories of being from a large family and kept close relationships with her siblings all her life. A 1934 graduate of Bluffton High School and as a young adult, she was a housekeeper and maid for several families in Lima, and later working for the Meter Works, Bluffton. A farmwife 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 Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church, Clay Twp., for 57 years. She taught Sunday school, Bible school, and was a youth leader and a 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. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thurs. July 7, 2011, at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, Pastor Michael Westbay officiating. Burial is to follow in the Mt. Tabor Cemetery, Clay Twp. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Wed., and 1 hr. prior to the service, Thurs, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church or Gideons International.

Verena M. Nichols

January 20, 1916 - July 3, 2011