06/02/2020
Bonnie Jo (Van Rees) Nichols was born on January 22, 1950, in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Lenora Jane (Paltzer) and Vernon Van Rees.
She was raised in Knoxville, Iowa along with her younger brother, John Van Rees. Bonnie graduated from Knoxville High School, Knoxville; earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa; and Master of Educational Literacy from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa.
She taught third grade and Title I reading in the Knoxville Community School District for twenty-one years, retiring in 2012.
On July 7, 1972, she married Melvin Leroy Nichols in Parkersburg, Iowa. Together they raised their two children: Scott and Kasi, and had a hand in raising Melvin’s sons: Jim and Mike Nichols.
Her joys were her children, grandchildren, as well as the “children and grandchildren of her heart.” She was always thankful to the Lord for the friends and family that brought her strength and love.
On June 2, 2020, she passed away peacefully in her home and went to be with her Lord at the age of 70 years. Bonnie is survived by her husband, Melvin Nichols of Knoxville, son, Scott Nichols and Stacie of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, and daughter, Kasi and Ron Wares of Knoxville. Also, surviving are their stepson, Michael Nichols; grandchildren: Eric Nichols, Chelsea (Wares) Payne, Jackson Wares, and Kaelyn Nichols; as well as her brother, John Van Rees of Vancouver, Washington.
Preceding Bonnie in death were her parents, Vernon and Lenora Van Rees, and stepson, James Nichols. A private family graveside service will be held on Friday, June 5th at Graceland Cemetery, Knoxville.
There will be a public reception with a “Dutch coffee-time” for friends and family beginning at 2:30 pm, Friday, June 5th at Christ’s Church, 1401 W. Bell Avenue in Knoxville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Knoxville Elementary Schools’ Libraries or a book of choice may be donated in her memory.
Williams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.