Betty Fern Nichols, 83, Conway, Missouri was born November 17, 1940, to James Boyd and Nina Helen (McFarren) McClanahan in Webster County, Missouri. Betty departed this life and entered the gates of Heaven in the early morning hours of May 31, 2024.
Betty was a well-known member of the Conway community with a passion for teaching, a mentor to many, a friend, volunteer and role model. She enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking, canning Hershel’s garden produce, and tending to her cats. An avid cook and baker who enjoyed making sure everyone had plenty, her blackberry cobbler and cinnamon rolls have been the topic of many conversations. She spent years teaching Sunday School, delivering the Children’s Sermon and playing the piano at church. Her most beloved pastime however, was spending time with family and friends. (If it included a domino game, even better)
Betty attended Macedonia Elementary and Niangua High School. After graduation she attended Southwest Missouri State College. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Betty taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades as well as Title 1 Math. Much of her teaching career was in the Conway school system. In 1997, Betty retired from 30.5 years of teaching.
She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma (Honorary Teachers Society), Conway Advisory Council Board Member, and R.T.A. (Retired Teachers Association) treasurer. Betty was also involved with the Conway Memorial Library, Docs on Rocks and volunteered with Newborns in Need.
Betty McClanahan and Hershel Nichols were united in marriage at Eureka Methodist Church, Rader, Missouri on June 3, 1961. They were blessed with two daughters.
Betty was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Niangua, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Nina McClanahan; three sisters, Pauline Randolph and husband, Jim; Reta Mathis, Debra Price and husband, Dennis; and brothers-in-law, Junior Rader and John Hamilton.
Betty is survived by her loving husband, Hershel Nichols; two daughters, Melanie Nichols (Terri) and Marla Nichols (Shawn); two granddaughters, Brinkley and Roxy; two brothers, Jimmy McClanahan (Lynn) and Jerry McClanahan (Daisy); two sisters, Shirley Rader and Dorothy Hamilton; brother-in-law, Charles Mathis; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Funeral services for Betty will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Day Funeral Home, Marshfield, Missouri.
Burial will follow the service at Eureka Methodist Cemetery, Rader, Missouri.
Visitation was held 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2024, in the funeral home chapel.
Memorial donations may be made to Conway Memorial Library or Docs On Rocks.
