Beatrice Nichols

STAPLES — Beatrice Nichols, 89, of Staples, passed away on March 20, 2011, at the Lakewood Health System in Staples. Funeral services for Beatrice will be held on April 2, 2011, 11 a.m., at the Congregational Church in Staples with Pastor Muriel Hachfeld officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, Staples.

Beatrice was born and raised on the family farm south of Aldrich May 16, 1921, to Vincent and Selma (May) Smith. She attended country school and graduated from high school in Verndale. On April 9, 1940, Beatrice married Monroe Nichols in Staples. She worked side by side with her husband cutting wood, harvesting Christmas trees, and raising their family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Beatrice is famous for her chocolate chip cookies. She was a member of the Women’s Fellowship Group of the Congregational Church in Staples.

Beatrice is survived by her children, Richard (Margo) Nichols, of Staples, Jim (Betty Jo), of Aldrich, Jeanette Hardy, of Milaca; siblings, Melvin (Margaret) Smith, of Wadena, Lillian (Wilbur) Messer, of Minneapolis, Evelyn Pundt, of Wadena, Helen (Archie) Coson, of Wadena, Delores Quick, of St. Paul, Rozella Rudy, of Las Vegas; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Beatrice is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Monroe, sisters, Dorothy Callahan and Phyllis Pundt; and brother, Warren “Bud” Smith.