Vicki Nichols

Vicki L. Nichols, 82, of Harpers Ferry, IA, died Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at Northgate Care Center in Waukon, IA. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 20th, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at the Harpers Ferry Community Center in Harpers Ferry.

Vicki Lynn Nichols was born February 27, 1943, in Jerome, ID, the daughter of Charles and Florence (Mallert) Stratton. She graduated from the Willow Community School district in 1961.  She married Robert Nichols on August 13, 1963, in San Diego, CA. Robert was enlisted in the Navy which led them to live in many different locations such as Virginia, California, and Oregon, during which time they started their family. They finally settled down in Washta, IA, in 1970 where they raised their kids and Vicki worked as a secretary for the Willow Community School district. In 1987 she decided to go back to college receiving her BSN in nursing in 1991. Upon graduation, she proceeded to hold positions in the service of others at Countryside Estates and Cherokee Regional Medical Center in Cherokee, IA and the State of Iowa Department of Inspections in Des Moines, IA, before retiring in the late 1990's.

During retirement, Vicki and Robert enjoyed many years snow-birding between northwest IA, Missouri and Gulf Shores, AL before becoming fulltime residents in Forsyth, MO. After several years there, they returned to IA in 2024 to be near their daughter.

Vicki is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert Nichols of Harpers Ferry, IA; her brother Allen (Linda) Stratton of Baird, TX; two daughters: Cheryl Samuelson (Keith Quick) of Windsor, VT, and Julie (Dan) Cross of Harpers Ferry, IA; ten grandchildren: Megan (Josh) Johnston, Mille Falcon (Duke Kessler), Ryan Andres, Chase (Holly) Samuelson, Brittany Samuelson (Kayla Adam), Jacob Witcombe, Emily (Jared) Winter, Ethan Nichols, Elizabeth Nichols, and Jackson Cross; eleven great-grandchildren: Shaelynn Falcon, Briar Falcon, Robin Falcon, Samantha Samuelson, Katelyn Atilano, Robert Samuelson, Cade Adam, Beau Pabody, Gwenyth and Charlotte Johnston, and Summer Adam: a nephew Marty Stratton; and two nieces: Shawn (Monte) Conrad and Lori (Paul) Owen.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfathers: Earl Kissinger and Gerald Davis; a brother Gary Stratton; granddaughter Haley Nichols; nephew Craig Stratton; niece Kristy Stratton; and her son Eric Nichols.