Birdene E. Nichols

May 29, 1925 - July 17, 2014

Birdene Eilene Rachow Nichols was the only daughter born to Samuel and Etta Hinrichs Rachow. She was born May 29th, 1925 in Carleton Nebraska. She departed this life on Thursday, July 17th 2014 at the Heritage Crossing Nursing home at the age of 89. She was baptized on Feb 3rd, 1946 at the Bethel Church of the Brethren in Carleton Nebraska by reverend Foster Meyers. She graduated from Hebron High School in May of 1943. In August of 1944, she married Harley C. Nichols of Belvidere at the Bethel Church of the Brethren in Carleton. This union was blessed with 5 children, Dennis, Monte, Joyce, Janice and Ryan. Harley and Birdene lived in the Carleton area until 1971, when they moved to Geneva. Before moving, she belonged to the Bethel Church Ladies Aide and Carleton Woman's Club. She taught Sunday school and helped with Girl Scouts. After moving to Geneva, she joined the Methodist Church, Woman's Fellowship Club, Geneva Mothers Club, and the Hospital Auxiliary. She also worked for 20 plus years at Heritage Crossing as a Nurses aide and later in the laundry department. She loved working with her flowers and in the yard. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and she took interest in all of their activities. She also made each of her grandchildren quilts. She loved drinking coffee and playing cards with her friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Harley in January of 1992, by sons Monte & Ryan Nichols, her brother Robert Rachow and her parents. Survivors include one son, Dennis and his wife Diane of Marshfield Massachusetts, Joyce Spurgeon of Harrisonville Missouri, daughter Janice Baxa and husband Ralph of Tobias, brother Gaylord Rachow of Davenport, and sister in law Blanch Rachow of Hebron, 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and numerous friends. Funeral service for Birdene will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2014, at the Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva, Nebraska. Interment will be in the Carleton City Cemetery. Visitation will begin Friday at 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home in Geneva. Memorials are directed to the family for later designation.