WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Karmen Kay Bolla, age 62, of Sturgis, passed away early Wednesday morning, February 28, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.
She was born October 17, 1961 in Sturgis, daughter of Wallace W. and Doris (Stuart) Nichols.
Karmen was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1979.
She was first married to Allen Woods, July 3, 1982 in Bloomfield, Colorado. He preceded her in death May 2, 1989. On February 14, 1991 she married Richard Bolla at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis.
She had been employed as a receptionist at the Doyle Community Center in Sturgis for many years.
She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis.
Karmen was a talented seamstress and enjoyed traveling to lighthouses. Anyone who knew her will forever remember her “green thumb”. She was able to grow nearly anything and was happiest when she was working in her flower and vegetable gardens and planting her trees. She was not one to be wasteful, canning and freezing much of her harvest. Karmen loved “Roxy” her Mazda Miata sports car and time surrounded by her family.
She is survived by her husband: Richard; daughter: Megan (Will) Swan of Sturgis; step-son: Zachary (Miranda) Bolla of Orland, Indiana; step-daughter: Jessica Miles of Centreville; grandchildren: Katelinn, Kristina and Karalynn Swan, McKenna and Sophia Bolla and Kate Miles; her mother: Doris Nichols of Sturgis; sisters: Karen (David) Slawinski of White Pigeon and Mary Ellen (Jerry) Bryer of South Carolina and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father; brother: Steven Nichols and nephews: Andrew Scott Nichols and Jeremy Nichols.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of Karmen Kay Bolla will be held at a later date to be announced.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Karmen’s memory consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or DAV, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45218.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
