Dorothy Nichols

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Dorothy Evelyn Nichols, 92, a resident of Glenns Ferry, passed away

Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Poplar Grove Assisted Living in Glenns

Ferry.

Dorothy Evelyn Nichols was born on Jan. 26, 1921 to Harry E. and Clara

(Skinrood) Bray in the little farming town of Kimball, South Dakota.

She began her piano lessons as a pre-schooler from her aunt, Cora

Skinrood.

She attended school in Kimball where she was active in the band,

playing the tuba, and in other musical activities. She graduated from

high school in 1939, after which she enrolled in Dakota Wesleyan

University in Mitchell, South Dakota.

After receiving her degree in music education in 1943, she taught music

in a small town in Eastern South Dakota.

During her college years, her family moved to Rapid City in Western

South Dakota. On a summer visit to her family, she met her future

husband, Lee E. Nichols. They were married on March 31, 1946.

The couple lived in California for a few years, but upon hearing of an

open teaching position in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, Dorothy applied and was

hired in March of 1948.

For the next 32 years she taught hundreds of Glenns Ferry students

band, vocal music and English.

In 1981 she retired from teaching, but not from her commitment to the

community. For the next nearly 30 years she was active as a volunteer

in many areas including organist and choir director in the Glenns Ferry

Methodist Church, director and manager of the Elmore County Fair,

entertainment chairperson for the Three Island Crossing Committee,

Glenns Ferry Holiday Fair Chairman and she formed a community choir,

which performed Christmas and spring concerts.

After retiring she was a voluntary accompanist for the school music

activities. For 18 years she was a pianist and music director for the

local Opera Theater. She was a member of P.E.O, Beta Sigma Phi

Sorority, a member and officer of Eastern Star where she was past

Worthy Matron.

Dorothy was the music director of Job's Daughters and a life member of

the VFW Auxiliary. She was named Glenns Ferry "Citizen of the Year" in

1984.

Dorothy is survived by: Her brother Richard A. Bray (Gladys), of Rapid

City, South Dakota; a son, Tim Nichols of Boise; one step-son Larry

(DeeAnn) Nichols of Rancho Mirage, California; seven grandsons, two

granddaughters, three nephews, one niece and several great

grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: Her parents; her husband, Lee; step-sons,

Ray and Jan Nichols; a granddaughter, Ashley Nichols; a grandson,

Stirling Nichols, and a nephew, Darrell Bray.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at the Glenns

Ferry VFW Hall, 132 E. 5th St. in Glenns Ferry.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for a permanent

marker yet to be finalized. Contributions should be directed to the

Dorothy Nichols Memorial Fund, at any U.S. Bank Branch.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral

Service -- Gooding Chapel.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the obituary link at

www.demarayfuneralservice.com.