Arlene Nora Nichols, age 98, of Johnson, Kansas, died Monday, March 13, 2023, at Stanton County Long Term Care Unit in Johnson. She was born on April 5, 1924, at home in Morton County, Kansas, the daughter of Fred Charles and Rhoda Leora (Fender) Kilgore.

Arlene was a lifetime resident of Stanton County and graduated from Manter Rural High School in 1942. She married Harold Duane Nichols on December 19, 1942, in Syracuse. She enjoyed being a farmer’s wife and serving harvest meals. Arlene’s family was the most important thing to her and she enjoyed cooking for them and sharing in their lives. Arlene, an active member of the United Methodist Church in Manter, served as a Sunday school teacher, was a member of United Methodist Women, helped in the kitchen, and enjoyed planning weddings. She also owned a flower shop and nursery, Nichols Corner, and Nichols Bar-B-Que. Christmas was Arlene’s favorite holiday. During the holiday season, she sold Christmas trees, wreaths, poinsettias and decorations. Arlene also enjoyed wheat weaving, cooking, crocheting and quilting.

Survivors include her daughters-in-law, Norma Nichols, Annette Nichols, and Tricia Nichols; sister, Donna Webb; six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Arlene is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Rhoda Kilgore; husband, Harold “Fuzzy” Nichols; sons, Duane, Jerald and Galyn Nichols; brothers, Bernard, George and Warren Kilgore; sisters, Leora Creech, Joyce Rinehart, Juan Toole, Letha McGinty and Velma Baier; and great-grandchildren, Cherish, Kyler and Taryan.

A memorial service will be Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Manter with Pastor Mary Courtney officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Stanton County Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to the PKD Foundation (Polycystic Kidney Disease) or the New Beginnings Church in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 715, Johnson, KS 67855. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.