Frieda Marjorie Nichols, 90, of Shelby, passed away peacefully, Sunday, August 4, 2025. She was born November 11, 1934 in Shelby, the daughter of John and Ida (Martin) Henry.
Frieda married Joe Nichols in 1954 and went to live in Germany, where Joe was in the service. They came home and lived in the Stony Lake/Shelby area, where Frieda peddled the fish that Joe and his brother Walter caught in Lake Michigan and then smoked. In 1969 they moved to Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, where she worked for 30 years at the local hardware store, first stocking shelves and waiting on customers, then as the buyer of many plumbing parts, and finished her career as their bookkeeper. She loved to volunteer for the local museum and helping out with many events in her church and community. She loved to sew and made quilts for all her kids, grandkids and also all her great-grandkids. She also made many quilt tops for the Trinity Lutheran World Relief until her eyesight wouldn't allow her to sew anymore.
Frieda and Joe had many adventures over their 70 years together and visited almost every state in the U.S. Even when her eyesight failed, she loved to take rides and have Joe tell her all about the sights that were around them. She also loved to meet new people, and there was never a person that she didn't want to stop and talk to.
Frieda is survived by: her husband, Joe Nichols; children, Jane (Dan) Smith, Jeanene (Jim) Ferris, Lisa (Mike) Pranger, Charles (Jenny) Nichols and David Nichols; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren.
Frieda was preceded in death by: her parents, John and Ida; sister, Martha VanderWall; and brothers, John and Art Henry.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Harris Funeral Home, 267 N. Michigan Ave., Shelby, Michigan, 49455, with Pastor Steve Lister officiating. A coffee time will follow at the funeral home.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.
www.harrisfhome.com
