WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Barbara May Nicholas, age 82, formerly of Mendon, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Galesburg following a long illness. She was born in Kalamazoo on Oct. 30, 1937 the daughter of John and Genevieve (Smith) Hiatt. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the class of 1955. Barbara was married to Maurice Nicholas on May 25, 1957, and they made their home in Mendon. She attended the Nottawa United Methodist Church. She was a 4-H Leader when her girls were young, and for many years volunteered at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. She supervised corn detasslers, worked at T-H Plastics, and Huff’s Flower Shop in Mendon. She was an avid reader and looked forward to watching her grandchildren’s sporting events.
Barbara is survived by two daughters, Kelley (Paul) Blacken of Delton and Jamie (Kurt) Calder of Galesburg; three grandchildren, Tyler Daniel (Margaret Lutz) Blacken, Nicholas John Blacken both of Tucson, AZ, and Taylor Grace (Jake Magnan) Blacken of Delton; a brother, John Hiatt and his family all of Mendon. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Maurice; and brother, Roger Hiatt.
In keeping with her wishes, cremation has been conducted. A private interment of her ashes will take place later in the spring. It is suggested that memorial donations be directed to either Borgess Gardens Activity Fund, or to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com
