Marnell Deane Nicknig

1935 - 2022

Marnell Deane Nicknig (Hammons)
February 26, 1935 - July 7, 2022
Carmichael, California - Marnell was the fifth child of six - born to William and Alta Hammons in Yuba City CA. Marnell passed from this world on July 7, 2022, at the age of 87.
Marnell lived a full life and she was a true Californian in her heart and soul. She loved the entire state from the Ocean to the Mountains She was an adamant lover of the arts and she herself was a talented artist and she shared her art works with many. She was a strong supporter and participant in the Sacramento Fine Arts Center. Marnell loved to travel exploring different parts of the world. She passed on her adventurous side as she ensured that her family always went on a vacation which included camping trips, long distance car trips out of the count that combined camping and hotels.
She was raised in Yuba City, CA and graduated from Yuba City high school, home of the Honkers in 1952. Post high school she worked at various jobs and at one point worked as a long-distance operator. She met her husband James Nicknig who was in the Army but stationed at Beale Air Force Base (near Yuba City) on the 4th of July 1953. They met while James and his friend were cruising in their convertible down D Street in Marysville, CA. Their courtship was short and sweet and they were married that November. Upon James discharge from the Army they moved east for a few years, returning to California in 1957 to raise their four children, Kurt, Maria, Leah and Paul in Sacramento. Marnell had a very strong work ethic which was carried on by her children. Her last place of employment was American River College. She began working there in 1963 where she met many friends. Each of her children and some grandchildren attended there. She retired from the college in June 1997 and this allowed her and James to travel more nationally and internationally. Marnell was also an advocate for Education and she herself went to night classes and graduated from Sacramento State in 1988. She was also instrumental in coordinating and sponsoring many family events that brought us all together. She started Family campouts in 1981 and that continued through the 90's She also hosted family holiday gatherings at her home on Affirmed Way which brought together friends and family members. She is survived by her 4 (four) children (and spouses), 8 (eight) grandchildren and 4 (four) great grandchildren.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center (5330 B Gibbons Drive, Carmichael CA, 95608) on August 21, 2022 from 2-5 pm. Her family will honor her at 3pm with stories and remarks and anyone is welcome to join in. In lieu of flowers, the family will be honoring her Art at her celebration of life by a silent Auction will all proceeds donated to the Fine Arts Center or make donations directly to the Fine Arts Center. Burial will be a private gathering.