Betty Marie Nichols

Betty Marie Nichols, 95, of Paola, Kansas passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2019 surrounded by family. She was born the only child to Alexander and Viva Wallace on August 7, 1923, near Chariton, Iowa. Her chances seemed limited with a strict, religious mother, and a father that didn't believe women should attend college. She rebelled! After graduating Chariton Junior College in 1943, she used her savings to leave home to attend Eastern Airlines' training school in St. Louis where she became a reservationist. She married Donald Dean Nichols in 1946. They attended Palmer School of Chiropractic. She had three children, became a stay-at-home mom and only worked as a Chiropractor as needed. Her life changed drastically when her husband died at age 46. After his passing, she worked at the clinic with her son, Dean, who also became a chiropractor. In 1976 her son-in-law, Dr. Larry Fulk, took the practice over. She became a Trailways' tour director and led 48 domestic and foreign tours. She returned to Paola in the mid-70's and served two separate two-year terms on the Paola City Council, including six months as Mayor. She was the first woman on the council. In 1981 she became a housemother and worked at Kansas, Arizona, Indiana and Kansas State universities. In 1989, she and a friend developed and led workshops on nutrition and etiquette for professional housemothers all over the U.S. She became known as “Mrs. Etiquette.” She recently spent most days in Paola spending time with family, visiting with friends at the Senior Center, and going to the United Methodist Church. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. D. D. Nichols, son, Dean Nichols, and infant granddaughter Angela Dawn Fulk. She is survived by her children Penny Fulk (Dr. Larry), of Paola, and Dr. Thomas Nichols, of Olathe. Betty is also survived by her grandchildren Stuart Nichols (Marie), Jennifer Smith (Shawn), Nick Nichols (Karen), Dr. Jaime Trent (Dennis), Dr. Justin Fulk, Jillian Shay (Brian), Luke Siebenmorgan (Brenda), 13 great grandchildren and one on the way. Memorial contributions may be made to Paola Senior Center. “I've had a wonderful and varied life. My theme song is, 'I'll go where you want me to go Lord,' and I want to keep going for as long as I can.” –Betty To share your memories of Betty or leave a special condolence message for her family, please click the Share a Memory tab.