Obituary: Nancy Nichols

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Nancy J. Nichols, 83, of Davenport, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2021, with her loved ones by her side.

She was born to Raymond and Elma Schneckloth on March 26, 1938, in Davenport. She grew up in the Eldridge area and attended Davenport High School. Nancy married her longtime friend, Lester Nichols, in March of 1969.  They moved to the Cherokee Village, Ark., area in 1976 and after 30 years, returned to the Quad Cities.

Coming from a musical family, Nancy’s talent was evident at an early age; she began professionally playing the accordion at 16.  She later became a member of “The Royal Lancers” band where she continued performing for over 20 years.  Nancy was also accomplished on both the piano and organ.  Over the course of her lifetime, she served in her churches, community bands, and accompanied many vocalists.  She also shared her love and knowledge of piano by giving lessons to students.  In her later years, she enjoyed playing at retirement homes in the Quad Cities area in a group called “The Silver Tones.” Throughout her life, Nancy’s home was filled with beautiful plants as she had a green thumb envied by many.  She was also an amazing cook and loved woodland animals.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.   

A special thank you to the staff at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House and to her daughter Paige, whom Nancy lovingly referred to as “Chickadee,” for her unwavering care the past three years.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Les Nichols, parents Raymond and Elma Schneckloth, brother Gene Schneckloth, and special friend Lloyd Paulsen.  The father of Nancy’s children, Ralph Strobbe, also preceded her in death.  She is survived by her sister, Jan (Schneckloth) Carlson, of Rochester, Minn., and five children: Sherri Brundies, of Eldridge; Gregg Strobbe, of Cherokee Village; Dale Strobbe, of Springdale, Ark.; Paige Bruegger, of Moline; and Jay Nichols, of Mountain Home, Ark.  She is also survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Contributions in memory of Nancy may be made to Clarissa C. Cook Hospice.   

A graveside service will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery.  Regrettably, due to COVID-19 prevention protocols, only immediate family will be allowed to attend the memorial services.

 

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