Lucy E. Nichols, 73

Longtime Alaska resident Lucy E. Nichols died suddenly on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010, at her home in Kasilof, Alaska. She was 73 years old. The family held a celebration of her life at the J-Bar-B Club on Jan. 11. Ms. Nichols was born on Nov. 3, 1936, in Pendleton, Ore., to Marjorie and Bruce S. Wert. She lived in many places throughout Montana and Alaska, and spent several years in Kalispell where she and her husband Alfred owned and operated the Tana Motel. Lucy was a homemaker and enjoyed helping others. She was passionate about the humane treatment of animals and found joy in caring for several of her own. Ms. Nichols gave with an open heart to many individuals less fortunate than herself. She enjoyed gardening in the spring and summer, and always had beautiful flowers surrounding her home. Ms. Nichols was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Margaret Omsberg; stepson, Brent Nichols; grandson, Alfred Willis, stepgrandson, Chad Gorder; step-great-grandson, Collin Gorder; and husbands, Ray Barnes Sr., and Alfred Nichols. Ms. Nichols is survived by her companion, Charlie Thomas, of Kasilof; ex-husband, Max Harrison, of Washington; daughter, Rose Willis, of Utah; son, Ray Barnes, and daughter-in-law, Lana, of Sterling, Alaska; son, Ron Nichols, of Kasilof; son, Max Harrison, of Montana; stepdaughter, Debi Honer, and son-in-law, Tom, of Soldotna, Alaska; brother, Carl Wert, of Idaho; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends. Memorials may be made in Lucy's name to the Soldotna Animal Shelter. Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.