Mary Lou (Unverferth) Nichols

Mary Lou Nichols, age 89, formerly of Veedersburg, passed this life on Saturday August 22, 2020 at 12:40 a.m. at Ben Hur Health and Rehabilitation.

Mary Lou was born on May 12, 1931, the daughter of George and Lola (Miller) Unverferth of Oakwood, Illinois. She had two brothers, George (Grace) and Bob (Jeanie) Unverferth; and four sisters, Thelma (Tom) Hawkins, Betty (Bill) Myrick, Verna (Bob) Adolph, and Joyce (Bill) Martin. Three other siblings died in infancy.

Mary Lou grew up in a little neighborhood in the country called Gray Siding. There she was educated in the one-room Mission Field schoolhouse and graduated from Oakwood High School in 1949. She furthered her education at the Lakeview School of Nursing, fulfilling her dream of becoming a nurse. She always gave credit to their family doctor, Edwin F. Deitrich for supporting her in this effort.

On March 28, 1953, Mary Lou and Charles Henry Nichols were married at the Oakwood Christian Church. They became the parents of four daughters: Lou Ann (Buddy) Hoagland, Maryl Robinson, Jean (Bob) Bowen, and Karen Bowling. Early in their marriage, they moved to Indiana to live and raise their family.

Mary Lou was employed at Lakeview Hospital, Olin Corporation, and then retired after 20 years with the Danville Veteran’s Administration Hospital in the Ambulatory Care Department. Mary Lou was a member of the Sterling Christian Church in Veedersburg. She and Charlie had fond memories of church, Sunday school class, and the friendships they enjoyed in the church family. She kept in touch over the years with her friends from nursing school and work. They enjoyed many breakfasts and luncheons together. She liked to read, sing, cheer on the Cubs, Colts, IU Basketball, and attend the Indianapolis 500 Race. Attending family reunions was a priority for her, as well as hosting the Labor Day Parade Cookout and Christmas on Main Street.

On her life’s journey, Mary Lou treasured the privilege of being a daughter, sister, aunt, friend, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was blessed with twelve grandchildren, Lee (Julia) Hoagland, Brian (Adrienne) Hoagland, Audra (Aaron) Armstrong, Alexis (David) Negron, Rachel (Cayl) Foxworthy, Thomas (Erin) Robinson, Natalie Robinson, Jalyn Bowen, Maggie Bowen, Neil Bowen, Kenan (Anna) Bowling, and Vanessa Bowling, plus 20 great-grandchildren, of which there are two sets of twins.

She is survived by her children and their families, sister-in-law Grace Unverferth, sisters Thelma Hawkins and Joyce (Bill) Martin, and many nieces and nephews.

At her passing, Mary Lou was a resident of Ben Hur Nursing Home, Auguste’s Cottage Memory Care. Blessings and thanks to the staff there.

She is homeward bound to join her late husband, Charles, and all the loved ones who have gone on before, to the place prepared for her and all who believe and have peace, hope, joy, and love through Jesus. Praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Dickerson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Funeral service will be at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery’s Mausoleum Chapel on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. CST IL time (12:00 EDT IN time) with Minister Gary Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Due to COVID-19, please practice social distancing and follow other COVID-19 protocols.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Sterling Christian Church.