Anna Nickell
Born: November 12th, 1918
Died: October 9th, 2015
Obituary
Anna Geraldine Loumaster Nickell passed away October 9, 2015 in Lawrence, Kansas after suffering a stroke three days prior. Anna was 96 years young. Her grandson, Brent Bloom, was beside her holding her hand when she smiled and closed her eyes. We know she was happy to be reunited with her husband, David A. Nickell and her son, David W. Nickell.
Anna was born on November 12, 1918 in the Atlanta, Missouri area to William O. Loumaster and Artie Ethel Hiatt Loumaster. She was the fourth child in a family of eight children.
Anna grew up in a rural area and enjoyed many adventures as a young girl. She loved being with her father and helping her mother with family chores. The family moved to town when she was young where she attended the Atlanta grade and high schools. She was involved in many activities, especially the school's theater and musical programs.
Anna met the love of her life, David Nickell, in high school and they married on July 22, 1939. Their daughter, Norma Ann, was born on December 5 of that year. Their son, David Wayne, was born August 20, 1941. David and Anna moved their family to Burlington, Iowa in 1942 and lived in Flint Hills Manor and later on Ironwood Street.
Anna worked for the Burlington Instrument Company and the IAAP during World War II. After the war, she and her husband worked for Lawrence Diewold at D&R Amusement where she was employed until her retirement in 1987. She was involved in her community and led Sunday school classes, was the choir director at her church as well as a leader for both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. Anna enjoyed bowling, golfing, traveling the country as well as making crafts.
In 2006, Anna moved to Lawrence, Kansas to be near her daughter and family although she dearly missed her home and friends and always talked about "back in Burlington". Anna lived in her own apartment in Lawrence and enjoyed decorating the building's hallway every holiday. She had just finished decorating for Halloween a few hours prior to taking ill.
Anna is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Norma and Robert Bloom; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Nickell Roe; six grandchildren that she loved with all her heart: Brad Bloom, Brenda Bloom Craig, Bryan Bloom, Barbie Bloom Yowell, Brent Bloom and Cale David Nickell along with their significant others; twelve great-grandchildren that were a big part of her life: Lori Diehl, Tyler Craig, Trey Craig, Katey Craig, Justin Bloom, Jeremy Bloom, Jordyn Bloom, Jenna Bloom, Eric Yowell, Ryan Yowell, Drake Bloom, Kelly Nickell and their significant others; and five great-great-grandchildren that would make her light up when they visited: Jacky Diehl, Madison Diehl, Ethan Crisp, Natalie Crisp and Cohen Craig. She is also survived by her sister, Bernice Loumaster Katchee, and many nieces and nephews whom she loved.
Anna is preceded in death by her husband, David Addison Nickell (d. 1971); son, David Wayne Nickell (d. 2001); and six siblings.
Anna lived a long, full life and was known as "Grannie Annie" to her family and adored by all.
Rest in Peace Grannie Annie!! We love you forever.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 24 at 2:30 pm at Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington, Iowa with Reverend Dave Bracht-Wagner Officiating. - See more at: http://www.thielenfuneralhome.com/obituary/Anna-Geraldine-Nickell/Lawrence-KS/1551878#sthash.R2iHOn4T.dpuf