Shirley Nickeson Ames

Shirley Nickeson Ames, 88, died Friday, November 3, 2006 in Orlando, Fla.

Shirley was born to Daniel and Ina Horton in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, the fifth of seven children, and was raised on the family farm in Hornbrook near Towanda. Shirley is survived by her son Carl Nickeson and his wife Barbara, son Dale Nickeson and his wife Debbie, grandchildren Diane and her husband Brian, Andrea, David, and Eric, and sisters Esther Kitchin and Florence Burlingame, as well as several nieces, nephews, and beloved friends. Shirley is predeceased by her husbands, Arthur Nickeson and Floyd Ames, and siblings Lloyd Horton, Leola Horton, Levere Horton, and Elinor Horton.

Shirley had a full and well lived life. She received her teaching certificate from Mansfield College in Mansfield, Pa. and worked as schoolteacher before marrying Art Nickeson when she was twenty-four. Art

and Shirley owned a dairy farm in Hornbrook, Pennsylvania where both were born and where their families had lived for generations. The couple moved with their two boys to Brandon, FL in 1957, where they built another business, a mobile home park for retired persons. Shirley continued to run their family business after Art died in 1980. After marrying Floyd Ames in 1987, Shirley spent many wonderful summers in East Stoneham, ME, where she enjoyed gardening, nature, and feeding the local chipmunks, especially her friend, "Chippy." Shirley had a great sense of humor and it was fun to share her life.

Shirley was a caring mother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, and friend. Her four grandchildren benefited in profound ways from having Shirley as their grandmother, a model of an authentic and loving person who cared about others and who took care of others as a daily part of her life. All have memories of Grandma Shirley they cherish, and each will miss her in large and small ways.

Shirley was a member of the Eastern Star.

A private graveside service will be held at Hornbrook Cemetery on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2006.

There are no calling hours.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Maryott-Bowen Funeral Home, Towanda, Pa.

For any who may choose, the family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to celebrate Shirley's coming home be made to the Hornbrook Cemetery Association, RR #5, Box 5469, Towanda, Pa. 18848.