Marilyn A. Nichols

Marilyn A. (Schaeffer) Nichols, 77, of Galesburg, died 10:37 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville. Marilyn was born March 1, 1938 in Hannibal, MO the daughter of Walter and Mary (Kane) Schaeffer.  She married Gary W. Nichols on May 11, 1957 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg.  She is survived by her husband of Galesburg.  Also surviving are 2 sons, Joseph Nichols of Galesburg and Jeffrey (Jennifer) Nichols of Knoxville; and five daughters, Susan (Donnie Boone) Nichols of Alexis, Debbie (Roy) Canier of Knoxville, Jane (Jeff Hughes) Eklund of Wataga, Jackie (Ed) Parsons of Danville, Julie (Jeff) Day of Heyworth; 19 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by two brothers, Patrick Schaeffer of Galesburg and Joe Schaeffer of Foster City, CA; brother in law, James (Anita) Nichols of Gilson; sister in law, Judy Nichols of Galesburg; and several cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brother in law, Robert Nichols; and several aunts and uncles including a special Aunt Katherine Broemmer. Marilyn graduated from Corpus Christi Catholic High School.  While in high school she enjoyed cheerleading.  Marilyn had been previously employed by Consumer Grain Supply, Grainstore Elevator, and Thrushwood Farms.  She was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church; and the China Painters Guild.  Marilyn was an avid china painter and won many awards for her beautiful work.  She loved to bake pies and was famously known for her peach crumb pie and always looked forward to Nichols Sweet Corn season.  Marilyn loved shopping trips with her daughters and granddaughters.  She also enjoyed dancing, gardening, and traveling with Gary.  She loved to spend time in her gazebo and visit with family and friends and was a Notre Dame fan. Marilyn will be greatly missed by her husband, children, family, and friends whom loved her dearly. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.  A eulogy will be read at 7 p.m. with praying of the rosary following.  Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2015 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Rev. William T. Miller, IC will officiate.  Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gordon Behrent’s Senior Center, Knox County Nursing Home, or Corpus Christi Catholic Church.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.