Obituary of Cleo Nickell

Cleo Bernice Nickell passed away on January 15, 2006 at her home in Brush, CO. Born July 17, 1913, Cleo was the first child of Oakley and Anna (Schlegel) Malcom. When she was three years old, the family moved from Johnstown to a homestead area north of Limon. Cleo attended and graduated from Limon High School in 1931. Following high school she worked for several different families in the area. It was during this time she met at a barn dance a young man Glenn Nickell. They were united in marriage on October 30, 1937 in Limon, Colorado. Following their marriage, the couple lived in the Flat Top area where they farmed and ranched. Cleo was cook for the Woodlin Schhol District from 1962 to 1980. Following Glenn’s death in August of 1989 she moved to Brush to spend her retirement years. Cleo’s interests were many—she was one of the Last Chance Quilters included in an article which appeared in the Denver Post. In the early years, the ladies took turns hosting the quilting “bees.â€? Part of the ritual included potluck dinners where each lady brought a special dish. The aromas that greeted children returning home from school were scrumptious. Music, especially Lawrence Welk’s orchestra caused a toe tapping, happy time. Occasionally, she and a friend reluctantly sang duets at church. A woman of tremendous faith, Cleo attended church on a weekly basis throughout her life. In 1949, she became a member of the Howard United Methodist Church in Last Chance, CO; today her name still appears on the rolls. During her residency in Brush, she supported the Brush United Methodist church. Her faith provided much solace during the trials and tribulations that come in life’s experiences. Cleo was preceded in death by her parents, Oak and Anna Malcom, her husband, Glenn, and a daughter-in-law Barbara Nickell. Cleo is survived by her two brothers, Dale and Lester Malcom, Limon, CO; her three children Lonny Nickell, Aurora, CO, Gary (Colleen) Nickell, Greeley, CO, and Margie (John) Lehmann, Rocklin, CA; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great, great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Cleo Bernice Nickell will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at the Howard Methodist Church in Last Chance, CO with Rev. James Calhoun officiating. Interment followed in the Pershing Memorial Cemetery, Limon, CO. Visitation will be held Friday, January 20, 2006 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Love Funeral Home in Limon, Colorado. Also visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Howard United Methodist Church of Last Chance P.O. Box 223 Woodrow, CO 80757.