Rita Jacomina Nickles

Rita Jacomina Nickles (Malcomb), 57, passed away on June 30, 2025, in Springfield, Missouri. Born on August 30, 1967, in Nashville, Tennessee, Rita lived a life defined by unwavering love, quiet strength, and selfless devotion to her family.
She was the beloved wife of David Nickles, with whom she shared a deep and enduring bond. Throughout David's 22 years of service in the United States Air Force, Rita stood steadfast by his side. Her resilience and support were instrumental to his ability to serve with honor. At home, she carried the weight of caring for their household and children during his deployments-never once allowing her own fatigue or stress to overshadow her role as a nurturing mother and anchor for her family.
Rita was a devoted mother to Scotty Nickles and his partner Laura Cande, and to Kaitlin Campbell and her husband Michael Campbell. Her love for her children was fierce, unconditional, and constant-she was their protector, their greatest cheerleader, and their safe place. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren-Emalie Campbell, Eloise Nickles, Caden Campbell, and Weston Campbell-who knew her lovingly as "Oma." Being Oma was Rita's greatest joy in life. She would go to the ends of the earth for each of them, offering boundless affection and joy that will live on in their hearts forever.
Though Rita's body often failed her, she never let it stop her from loving and caring for others. Her empathy was unmatched, her generosity unending. She had a rare ability to make those around her feel seen, supported, and deeply loved-always putting the needs of others before her own.
She was also a devoted sister and a proud "daddy's girl," holding close bonds with her family throughout her life. She is survived by her sisters Coby Dodd (Bill Hawley), Carla Eifling (Kenny Eifling), and Sharon Lynch, and held dear the memory of her late parents, Sherman and Jacomina Malcomb, and her sister Anneke Buhrman.
Rita's presence brought light and warmth to every room. She gave endlessly, loved deeply, and lived humbly. Her life was a quiet but powerful testament to love in action-a legacy that continues in the lives of those she touched.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 PM at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, 2001 W Walnut Lawn St, Springfield, Missouri.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:30 AM, also at Walnut Lawn Funeral Home.
Rita will be laid to rest at Springfield Missouri Veterans Cemetery, a fitting tribute to her life of service and sacrifice as a military spouse.
May her memory be a comfort, and her love a lasting light.
I lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rita's name may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation - https://t2t.org/donate/.
Care has been entrusted to Walnut Lawn Funeral Home, Ltd. - DeGraffenreid-Wood Crematory.