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Dorothy Nichols
Dorothy Evelyn Nichols, 92, a resident of Glenns Ferry, passed away
Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Poplar Grove Assisted Living in Glenns
Ferry.
Dorothy Evelyn Nichols was born on Jan. 26, 1921 to Harry E. and Clara
(Skinrood) Bray in the little farming town of Kimball, South Dakota.
She began her piano lessons as a pre-schooler from her aunt, Cora
Skinrood.
She attended school in Kimball where she was active in the band,
playing the tuba, and in other musical activities. She graduated from
high school in 1939, after which she enrolled in Dakota Wesleyan
University in Mitchell, South Dakota.
After receiving her degree in music education in 1943, she taught music
in a small town in Eastern South Dakota.
During her college years, her family moved to Rapid City in Western
South Dakota. On a summer visit to her family, she met her future
husband, Lee E. Nichols. They were married on March 31, 1946.
The couple lived in California for a few years, but upon hearing of an
open teaching position in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, Dorothy applied and was
hired in March of 1948.
For the next 32 years she taught hundreds of Glenns Ferry students
band, vocal music and English.
In 1981 she retired from teaching, but not from her commitment to the
community. For the next nearly 30 years she was active as a volunteer
in many areas including organist and choir director in the Glenns Ferry
Methodist Church, director and manager of the Elmore County Fair,
entertainment chairperson for the Three Island Crossing Committee,
Glenns Ferry Holiday Fair Chairman and she formed a community choir,
which performed Christmas and spring concerts.
After retiring she was a voluntary accompanist for the school music
activities. For 18 years she was a pianist and music director for the
local Opera Theater. She was a member of P.E.O, Beta Sigma Phi
Sorority, a member and officer of Eastern Star where she was past
Worthy Matron.
Dorothy was the music director of Job's Daughters and a life member of
the VFW Auxiliary. She was named Glenns Ferry "Citizen of the Year" in
1984.
Dorothy is survived by: Her brother Richard A. Bray (Gladys), of Rapid
City, South Dakota; a son, Tim Nichols of Boise; one step-son Larry
(DeeAnn) Nichols of Rancho Mirage, California; seven grandsons, two
granddaughters, three nephews, one niece and several great
grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: Her parents; her husband, Lee; step-sons,
Ray and Jan Nichols; a granddaughter, Ashley Nichols; a grandson,
Stirling Nichols, and a nephew, Darrell Bray.
A memorial service was held on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at the Glenns
Ferry VFW Hall, 132 E. 5th St. in Glenns Ferry.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for a permanent
marker yet to be finalized. Contributions should be directed to the
Dorothy Nichols Memorial Fund, at any U.S. Bank Branch.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Demaray Funeral
Service -- Gooding Chapel.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the obituary link at