Olive (Mildred) Nichols

Olive (Mildred) Nichols, 91, of Chamois, passed away Friday, September 9, 2011, at Autumn Meadows in Linn. She was born June 16, 1920, in Osage County, a daughter of the late Dolph Elias and Nina Edith (Cox) Leimkiller. She attended O'possum Town School in Osage County, Freedom,. On September 4, 1936, Mildred was united in marriage in Hermann, to Chesley Nichols. They were together 54 years before he preceded her in death in November 1990. Mildred and Chesley moved to Chamois in 1951, and were instrumental in organizing the First Baptist Church in Chamois and worked in many capacities towards its growth. Mildred worked in garment factories in Linn and Chamois. She also worked at Langenberg Hat Factory in Chamois. She enjoyed cooking, reading, sewing, and gardening. Mildred always had beautiful flowers in her yard. She was an excellent cook and took many dishes to friends, neighbors and church on many occasions. Mildred was an excellent seamstress and sewed many garments for family members and those in need. Chesley and Mildred were very generous with their garden produce and resources to their community and church. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and other family members. Mildred is survived by three daughters: Shirley Ferguson (Homer) of Jefferson City, Sharon Brown (Mike) of Chamois, and Edith Helming of Jefferson City; five grandchildren: Craig Ferguson (Dana), Kristi Schwartz (Dennis), Kim Schulte (Greg), Chad Helming (Deeanna), and Josh Helming (Latisha); one step-grandchild: Lisa Brown; 10 great-grandchildren: Nicole, Megan, Dylan, Cody, Chelsea, Lexus, Chloe, Sierra, Molly, Olivia; and three great-great-grandchildren: Thierry, Ethan and Austin. She was preceded in death by an infant brother; her husband, Chesley Nichols; two grandchildren, Sheila Helming and Shannon Helming; and two sons-in-law, Raymond Helming and Larry Helming. Friends will be received from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Monday, September 12, 2011, at the First Baptist Church in Chamois, where funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, with Rev. Larry Hendrickson officiating. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 12, 2011, at the Useful Cemetery in Useful. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the First Baptist Church in Chamois. Arrangements are under the direction of MEYER-HILKE-MILLARD Funeral Home, 107 S. Market Street, Chamois, MO 65024. (573) 763-5658. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com