Dorothy Nichols

Dorothy Louise Nichols, age 89, retired longtime York businesswoman, died Tuesday, May 24, 2005 at York. She was born on a farm near Fairmont to Delbert and Louise (Laschanzky) Smith on August 15, 1915. She was a graduate of Fairmont High School and taught in a rural school prior to her marriage in 1935 to C. Donald Nichols. Dorothy also attended York College and was a graduate of the Cliff Mann School of Design in Denver. They farmed in Fillmore County and later moved to Iowa for 12 years. For years they traveled in 6 states as manufacturers representatives, conducting and assisting with merchandise and gift shows in New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City and Omaha. They moved to York in 1954 when they opened The Treasure House and later adding Nichols Office Supply, The Sugar Plum Tree and The Tree House. In 1992, they retired after being in business for 38 years in York. Dorothy was an active member of the York community, serving 3 years as president of the York Business and Professional Women, served as chair of the Education Committee of the York Chamber of Commerce and was a charter member of the York Development Committee. She was a lifetime member of the York College Helping Hands and enjoyed the fellowship of refunding. She was a charter member of the Hearthstone Advocate Committee and for 5 years she and Don were volunteer workers at Blue Valley. Dorothy enjoyed her involvement in church as Sunday School teacher, elder and she held many offices in Church Women United. Her survivors include her husband Don of York, daughter Wilma Rae and her husband William Sandifer of New Jersey; grandchildren Kara and Pamela and great-granddaughter Shannon; sister Irene Sewell; nieces and nephews. Also surviving are special friends, Ann Graham Danekas of Crete and Bob & Dee Graham of York. Preceding her in death were her parents, 2 brothers and an infant granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, May 28, 2005 at the Metz Chapel in York with the Rev. Ron Johnson. Burial will be in the Fairmont Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences may be emailed to the family at metz@metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary of York is handling arrangements.