Ima Ann Nichols was born Dec. 11, 1929, on a farm near Stratton to Paul and Selma (Ross) Sutton, the oldest of five children, and passed away Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, at the Heritage Crossings in Geneva at the age of 90.
As a young girl, Ima attended country school and graduated from Wauneta High School. Ima furthered her education by attending an Electronic/Television Institute in Omaha, receiving her diploma in Airline Communication-Stenography. She was united in marriage to Norman E. Nichols on Nov. 7, 1947, at the Elden Missionary Church near Wauneta, and to this union, four children were born, Norman, Michael, James and Lorri. They made their home in Wauneta, moved to Haigler and then settled in Friend. Ima enjoyed painting the interiors and exteriors of homes as well as wallpapering in the Friend area for several years. Ima also waited on tables at the Green Top Café. She was a sweet, loving person. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and will be truly missed by many.
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Norman L. and Susie Nichols and Michael and Deb Nichols, all of Exeter, and James Nichols, Friend; daughter and son-in-law, Lorri and Randy Filipi, Crete; 12 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Sutton, Omaha; sisters-in-law, Connie Sutton, Friend, Karen Nichols, Crescent City, California, and Peggy Watts of Kansas; many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
Ima was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norman in 2010; great-granddaughter, Michell Nicols; brothers, Jim, Jack and Richard Sutton; and sisters-in-law, Beverly, Fern and Margaret Sutton.
Cremation occurred and a graveside service was Dec. 4 at Andrew Cemetery, Friend. Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be left for the family at www.lauberfh.com.
