Wilma Nichols

Wilma Lou Nichols, 90, of Pocatello, Idaho passed away Monday, April 29, 2024.

Wilma was born July 18, 1933, in Huron, South Dakota to William and Verna Chase. In 1954, she graduated from Sioux Valley Hospital School of Nursing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and began her career as a Registered Nurse at that hospital. She later moved to Eugene, Oregon to be near her parents, and she continued to work as a Registered Nurse at the local hospital and later in the office of Dr. Holcomb, Internist.

While in Eugene, Wilma met Gene Nichols, and they were married December 1956. Their family moved to Klamath Falls, Oregon, Soda Springs, Idaho and then to Challis, Idaho. While her children were growing up, Wilma was a stay at home mom. She enjoyed that time with her boys and described it as a “happy, wonderful part of my life. I loved them so much.”

Gene was an entrepreneur and outdoorsman. In 1970, he bought an outfitter and hunting guide lodge, and Wilma and her boys would spend their summers in the backcountry with Gene. Wilma would cook for the guests, and she learned to ride a horse. “What an experience,” she would say. “I had always been a city girl.”

Once the boys were in high school, Wilma resumed her work as a Registered Nurse for the Idaho District 7 Health Department. She was the Public Health Nurse and Home Health Nurse, as well as the School Nurse for Challis, Stanley, Clayton and Patterson schools. Wilma worked as the Public Health Nurse for 23 years and was recognized as a Challis Woman of the Year for her dedication to the community.

In 1999, Wilma began another phase of her life when she retired from nursing and moved to Pocatello to be closer to Craig and Brent. She joined New Knowledge Adventures and met many new friends that she cherished. She loved to golf, bowl, garden and dote on her beloved cats. Wilma’s absolute favorite activity was spending time with her boys. Craig and Brent loved to surprise their mom with different activities for Mother’s Day or her birthday, such as whitewater rafting, hot air balloon rides and digging for fossils.

Wilma is survived by her son, Brent and daughter-in-law, Anne. She is preceded in death by her father, William Chase, mother, Verna Chase, husband, Gene Nichols, and sons, Mark, Bradly and Craig Nichols.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Challis Cemetery, Challis (Custer County) Idaho.

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