Kathryn Nichols

Sharon's aunt (her dad's sister), Kathryn Nichols, died while Sharon and Tom were on their way to Spokane to pick up Kevin from Gonzaga last month.

Kathryn "Kay" Nichols (Age 90) of Spokane Valley, Washington passed peacefully to her Heavenly Father May 10, 2007. Born in Gary, Indiana in 1916, she grew up in the Mid-west with her sister Jane and her brother Jack, both of whom preceded her in death.

Kay married Richard Bell with whom three sons were born; Dickie (who died shortly after birth), David (Ellen), currently of Liberty Lake, Washington, and Keith (Pam) currently of Sisters, Ore.

After the war, the family moved to North Idaho and settled in Coeur d'Alene, where her two sons were raised. She later married Ellis "Nick" Nichols of Coeur d'Alene, with whom their only child Kathy Marshall (Paul) currently of Spokane, Washington was born. Relocating in Spokane, she and her husband lived, worked and raised their daughter. They lived in the same neighborhood for over 40 years years. They spent their summers at their cabin on Hayden Lake. After her husband Nick, of 46 years, died in 2000, Kay moved to the Spokane Valley where she spent the remainder of her life.

She was surrounded by loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she enjoyed watching grow up. She was cared for by her son David and his wife Ellen, and by her son Keith and his wife Pam, and by her daughter Kathy and her husband Paul. She enjoyed comfort and love to the end of her life.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the sensitive and loving caregivers at the Colonial Court Assisted Living Residence in the Spokane Valley where she spent the final few months of her life.

In addition to her daughter, her sons and all their spouses, Kay is survived by: three grandchildren - Lisa Bell Upchurch of Roanoke, VA., Jennifer Bell Sanders of Liberty Lake, Washington, and Elizabeth Marshall Hughes of Sumner, Washington; five great-grandchildren, Meghan Upchurch, Mitchell, Brady and Noah Sanders, and Elliot Hughes; one niece, Sharon Heringer and two nephews, Tom and Tim Frame, and their children all of Sacramento, CA.

Her remains will rest next to her husband, Nick, at Forest Cemetery in Coeur d'Alene. No formal memorial service is planned. Instead, the family will celebrate her life with a private gathering this summer.

ENGLISH FUNERAL CHAPEL, COEUR D'ALENE is in care of the arrangements. Please sign Kay's guest registry and view online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com .