Evelyn Laura (Strong) Nichols

Evelyn Laura Nichols, 84, of Poplar Bluff died Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Nichols was born Oct. 1, 1927 in La Crosse, Wisc. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Poplar Bluff, and had retired from the housekeeping department at St. Anthony's Hospital in Rockford, Ill. Mrs. Nichols enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, fishing, playing bingo and staying on the go.

On July 22, 1950, she married Herman Nichols in Decorah, Iowa. He preceded her in death on Jan. 14, 1994.

Survivors include six children, Lillian Carter of Thayer, Mo., and Charles L. Nichols and wife Marie and Robert Nichols all of Poplar Bluff, Mary Hurd and husband Paul of Rockford, Ill. and Brian Nichols and wife Florence and Everett Nichols all also of Poplar Bluff; six grandchildren, Wayne Carter, Aaron Carter, Heath Nichols, Andy Houser, Tonya Murphy and Irene Mace; and four great-grandchildren, Natalie, Elaina, Taylor and Bailey.

Her parents, Charles and Rose (Weiland) Strong, daughter, Eugenia Marie Nichols, sister, Lillian Gartner and brothers, Earl Strong and Elmer Strong also preceded Mrs. Nichols in death.

A Prayer Service will begin at 5 p.m. Sunday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel with visitation following until 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Joseph K. Mathai, CMI officiating. Burial will follow at the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.