Norma Jean Nickell

Norma Jean (Woodley) Nickell was born June 28, 1935 in Mercer County, Missouri; the daughter of James Albert and Floris Marie (Nordyke) Woodley. She grew up in Mercer County, Missouri and graduated from Mercer High School in 1953.
Norma met Gilbert Boyd Nickell and the two became one on June 8, 1953 in the minister's home. Together they had 6 children, Nancy Lee Nickell, Richard Allen Nickell, Mark David Nickell, Teresa Annette (Meyers) Nickell, Kevin Lee Nickell, and John Gilbert Nickell.
After getting married, Norma and Gib moved to the Goldfield area for 3 years. From there they moved to the Riceville area for 6 years. When they got the opportunity, the family moved back to Goldfield for 3 years and then from there to Hardy for 8 years. Norma attended one year of Junior College before attending Eagle Grove Business School. She went on to work at First National Bank in Humboldt. Norma and Gib moved to Renwick in 1972, where she worked as a bookkeeper at both the Elevator in Hardy and Renwick.
Throughout her life, Norma enjoyed many activities that brought her joy. As a young woman, she loved roller skating, and in her later years, she found great pleasure in bowling, fishing, reading, playing cards, and loved spending time at the Renwick library. She also took pride in her vegetable and flower gardening and spent many hours canning. Norma was an active member of the Hardy/Renwick Red Hat Ladies and was a dedicated member of the Renwick Baptist Church.
Norma died Thursday, January 2, 2025, at Clarion Wellness and Rehab Center. She was 89.
She is survived by her five children and their spouses Rick (Tammy) Nickell, Okeechobee, FL, Mark (Deb) Nickell, Waukee, Terri (Larry) Meyers,Renwick, Kevin (Deb) Nickell, Goldfield, and John (Julie) Nickell, Waukee. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Gib on February 25, 2017; infant daughter, Nancy Lee Nickell; infant sister, Nellie Virginia; sister, Phyllis; and seven brothers, Dean, Dale, Eugene, Joe, L.D., Winton, and Kenneth.
A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025 at the Renwick Baptist Church. The service was livestreamed on Oakcrest Funeral Services' Facebook Page. Burial was held in Vernon Township Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the Renwick Baptist Church.