Phyllis Nichols, 77, of Anita, passed away Sept. 23, 2021 at her home. She was born June 20, 1944.
Phyllis met her future husband Dave at the Adair County Fair while helping their younger brothers and sisters fit their steers. Her brother, Lans, won Grand Champion and Dave’s sister, Evelyn, won Reserve Champion. Phyllis exited Iowa State University in May of her junior year because of “the best sales pitch Dave ever gave.”
For the first half of her married life, she calved 150-200 first calf heifers, and had her own flock of Montadale ewes. Soon after she had babies of her own, she dispersed her flock of sheep.
After the death of Dave’s brother Lee in 1982, Phyllis became a full time owner/manager of Nichols Farms, along with Dave and Lee’s wife Lillian. Phyllis paid the bills, paid the taxes, issued the payroll, deposited checks, printed invoices, signed checks, handled insurance coverage and claims and purchased cattle supplies. She enjoyed interacting with the Nichols crew, customers and visitors.
She was a great cook, active in many community service projects and known as the “hostess with the mostest.”
Survivors include her husband of over 50 years, Dave Nichols; children: Fletcher Nichols and Jennifer Nichols; brother Lans Gibbs; sisters-in-law Edy Hill and Lillian Nichols; several nieces and nephews and two grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Audra and Marcella (Sally) Gibbs, Dave’s parents: Merrill and Gladys Nichols; sister –in-law Ev Gibbs and brothers-in-law Art Hill and Lee Nichols.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 10:30 a.m. at Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic. Burial will follow at the Greenfield Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, Sept. 27 from 2 to 7 p.m. with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m. at Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic.
Memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date, and mailed to the funeral home at P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, Iowa 50022.
Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic is in charge of arrangements.
