Elizabeth Louise Nichols, 58, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday (October 4, 2011) at her home.

The daughter of Francis C. and Anna Mae (Barnes) Gashwiler, she was born April 25, 1953 in Kirksville, Missouri. On August 7, 1981 in Kirksville, Beth was united in marriage to Robert Nichols.

Beth is survived by her husband, Robert Nichols of the home; her parents, Francis and Anna Gashwiler of Novinger, MO; four sons, Jason Humphrey and fiancée Tabetha Wolf of Kirksville, MO, Christoper Nichols and wife Jennifer of Texas, Jerad Humphrey and fiancée Alisha Head of LaPlata, MO and Joseph Nichols and wife Jessica of Cabbott, AR; two brothers, Jay Gashwiler of Kirksville, MO and Bill Gashwiler of Green City, MO; seventeen grandchildren; one great-grandchild and fifteen nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by one step daughter, Candice Lanette Nichols in 1995.

Beth was a graduate form Novinger High School with the Class of 1971. She resided in Texas seven years where she attended cosmetology school graduating in 1985. In 1989, Beth returned to the Kirksville area and was employed for P.S.F. a number of years until her health failed.

Beth’s hobbies included horseback riding, fishing, hunting and camping. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She was an active member of Relay for Life, was an EMT for Novinger Fire Department ten years and served as secretary for River City Riders Saddle Club. She was a devoted member of the Grace Community Bible Church where she served as treasurer and song leader. Beth was very active in reaching out to people who developed cancer.

Beth has been cremated and a memorial service in her memory will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday (October 7, 2011) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Brian Carter presiding.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Beth Nichols Memorial Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.