She was the 8th of 11 children. The family moved to a farm near McCool Jct. where Lois graduated High School in 1944. She taught school in rural York County between 1945 and 1954, while helping her parents on the family farm which they had purchased south of York. She attended Nebraska State Teachers College in Kearney, graduating in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education.
She married Eldon F. Nicholson in 1954. They moved to Denver, CO so her husband could get a Master of Theology. To support them, Lois taught elementary school in Littleton, Co and was a nursing assistant at Children’s Hospital in Denver. From 1957 to 1971, Lois was a housewife and mother, rising 6 children and being a minister’s wife.
After Eldon divorced Lois, she moved back to York with her six children. To support her young children, she worked: 2 years at Trixie Sewing Manufacturing in York, then 16 years at Epworth Village starting in the laundry area and working up to a Life Skill Worker/Houseparent. After retiring, she went on to work 3 years as a Care worker at Grace Children’s Home in Henderson, NE. After moving to Lincoln, she worked for 3 years as a Caregiver for NE Social Services. She was also a caregiver for several of her siblings.
Lois’ devotion to others was manifested in her devotion to family and strong religious beliefs. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, their families, and friends. She loved to travel to visit them.
Lois is survived by her children: John Nicholson of Las Vegas, NV; Eldonna (Bryan) Bingham of Lincoln, NE; James (Debbie) Nicholson of Geneva, NE; Mary (Ron) Jost of Wahpeton, ND; and Andrew Nicholson of Las Vegas, NV. Grandchildren: Kris Nicholson and special friend Melynda Shaughnessy of Las Vegas NV; Stephine Mitchell, Dustin (Jess) Mitchell, Rachelle (Andrew) Bouwens all of Lincoln, NE; Samantha (Zach) Shue of Gretna, NE; Seth (Vanessa) Bingham of Auburn, NE; Nolt (Brianna) Nicholson of Lincoln, NE; Lucas (Katie) Bingham of Gretna, NE; Amanda Jost of Minot, ND; Katie Nicholson of Los Angelas, CA; Olivia (Micah) Kemp of Friend, NE; Carissa Jost of Wahpeton, ND; Dylan Jost and fiancée Kendra Kus of Hankinson, ND. 17 great grandchildren, sister Marie Carlson of Stromberg, NE; brother Gordon (Lillian) Wurst of York, NE, nieces, and nephews.
Lois was proceeded in death by her parents, son, Floyd Nicholson, 5 brothers and 3 sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 18, 2023, at New Hope United Methodist Church, 1205 N 45th St, Lincoln, NE.
Visitation will take place at the church, prior to the funeral service from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Salem United Methodist Cemetery, 3219 A Street Rd, in rural Seward County.
Memorials may be given to New Hope UMC.