Susan Elaine Nickel

Susan Elaine Nickel passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024, at the age of 57. Born January 17, 1967, in Kokomo, IN to James Rhinebarger and Glenda (Mooney) Rhinebarger, she graduated Hamilton Heights High School in 1985 and earned her bachelor's degree in paralegal studies from Ball State University in 1989. Following her marriage in October 1995, she moved to the Geist Reservoir area of Indianapolis, IN where she was a practicing paralegal for eight years before returning to Indiana University to receive a degree in nursing. After graduating in 2000, she moved to Zionsville, IN where she raised her family and worked at Saint Vincent Hospital for the final 24 years of her life.
A dedicated and compassionate nurse, Susan spent a significant portion of her career helping NICU babies and families as a NICU Nurse and case manager. She brought so much joy, laughter, and encouragement to her workplace and the families affected by child loss.
Beyond her professional life, Susan was an active and involved community member. She volunteered countless hours as PTO president – planning the best of book fairs, lacrosse team statistician, marching band hospitality chair – feeding hundreds of band kids and fellow volunteers, while also volunteering at Central Christian Church's nursery with her family. Her dedication to her children was evident in everything she did as she gave of her time, support and energy at every phase of their lives.
Susan had a passion for life and a zest for adventure. She loved vacationing, especially at the beach, with Key West, Myrtle Beach, and Anna Maria Island being her favorites. Shopping was her superpower (or weakness – depending on who you ask). She was a devoted Michigan Wolverines sports fan. Susan also enjoyed politics, sangria, girls' trips, ice cream, and scary movies. She was a talented baker and cook, renowned for her chocolate chip cookies, honeybun cake, and pumpkin bars. Decorating for Halloween and Christmas brought her great pleasure, and she loved hosting gatherings for family and friends.
Susan is survived by her husband of 29 years, Greg; sons Ben Nickel and Jacob Nickel; father James Rhinebarger; mother Glenda Rhinebarger; brother Mark Rhinebarger and sister-in-law Elana Stevens; nephews Luke Rhinebarger and Hank Rhinebarger; father-in-law Jerry Nickel; mother-in-law Carol Nickel; brother-in-law Scott Nickel, sister-in-law Elaine Brunner, niece Lindsey Nickel; and nephew Garrett Nickel.
Susan is preceded in death by her oldest son, Jordan Reese Nickel.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 10th, from 11 AM – 1 PM, with the funeral service to immediately follow at Central Christian Church, 701 N Delaware Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Central Christian Church Food Pantry or Susan's Colon Cancer Coalition page to raise money to find a cure. Her arrangements were entrusted to Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Care, Zionsville Chapel.
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