Nila Nicholson

FARMINGTON Nila Gayle Nicholson, passed away at home in Farmington on December 19, 2022 at the age of 83. She was born in Lawton, Oklahoma on March 5, 1939 to the late Carl Yarberry and Bertha (Truitt) Taylor. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, George Wilson and all five of her siblings. Nila grew up in Eureka, California and at a young age moved to Reno, Nevada where she began working for the Reno Police Department. In the evenings she worked at a casino where she met her husband, Ed who was at that time in the Air Force. On October 4, 1960 the two were married in Reno. Ed moved Nila back to Missouri to a farm house in the dead of winter. She experienced a great deal of culture shock and wondered what she had gotten into, however, she grew to love Missouri after a time. She worked for Medical Arts Clinic in Farmington, Montgomery Ward and Federal IGA in Park Hills. She was a talented seamstress and upholsterer and later she had a home upholstery business and kept busy with many customers. She loved going to the lake, camping and water skiing. She also enjoyed horse racing and never missed watching the Kentucky Derby and other prominent horse racing events. Nila also loved snow, redbirds, St. Louis Blues hockey, canning and making jellies. She and Ed were square dancers in their younger years and they were members of the Chat Dusters dance club. Nila and Ed were faithful members of Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church. Her family meant the world to her and she loved spending time with them. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Arthur "Ed" Nicholson; two daughters, Ramona Wilson and Debbie Myers; grandchildren, Tori Porter, Adam (Kira) Malone, Tara Howell, Cody (Stacey) Gillette, Ashley (Gary) Myers; nine great grandchildren, Hollie, Hannah, Heath, Genevieve, Nelle, Demie, Kylie, Connor and Brileigh and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. There will be a private memorial service at a future date under the direction of Cozean Memorial Chapel. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Kindred Hospice. View the tribute video and share your condolences at cozeanfuneralhome.com.