Carol Nickell
Nov. 20, 1935 - Jan. 30, 2023
Carol Crosby Nickell, 87, passed on from this earthly life to continue her life journey with the Lord on January 30, 2023. Carol was born on November 20, 1935 in Arlington
Massachusetts to John and Pauline Crosby, joining her only sister Ann. She grew up in Arlington, graduating from Arlington High School in 1953. She went on to graduate from Nasson College in Springvale, Maine in 1955 with an Associate of Arts degree. She met the love of her life Clayton "Russell" Nickell in December of 1953 through a mutual friend while Russ was stationed at Fort
Devens Army base in Massachusetts. Carol & Russ were engaged in November of 1954. They tied a knot that lasted over 67 years, on June 11, 1955 in the 1 st Baptist Church of Arlington of which
Carol and her family had been active members. Carol was whisked away from Massachusetts to start a home in eastern Colorado south of Last Chance, an act of courage and devoted love for someone who had previously never been west of Massachusetts. In 1956 Carol & Russ moved to Denver and welcomed their first son Doug into their home. By 1958 Carol and the family had moved to a new home in Thornton, CO were they welcomed their second son Brian. In the spring of 1963, the family moved to Moody Maine where Carol and Russ worked at Crosby Farms, her parent's vegetable farm. In the summer besides working in the produce store she would walk her sons to Moody beach where they would enjoy the beautiful white sand and invigorating (60 - 65 deg) water and waves. Carol enjoyed this time in Maine being close to her parents, her sister's family, and extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends. In August of 1966 Carol & Russ moved their family back to Colorado where they took over the operation of Russ' parents farm and ranch south of Last Chance. In 1967 a third son, Steven was welcomed to the family. Like most farm & ranch wives she not only helped raise her three sons and care for her husband but helped raise sheep and cattle, cooked countless meals and cared for her in-laws. She enjoyed visiting with other women in the community whether it was with the church's women's group, book club, or the local homemakers club. She thoroughly enjoyed having her parent's visit a number of times around Thanksgiving and Christmas time from the mid 70's to the early 90's. Carol & Russ retired from the farm and ranch in 1997 and moved to Fort Morgan. They enjoyed working less and sharing with their son's families, their grandchildren, their great-grandchildren, extended family and new found friends.
She was an active member of the Community of Christ from the early 1960's until her death. She enjoyed praising her Lord and was a devoted follower of her Savior Jesus Christ as attested to by her life. She delighted in listening to music of various genres from Lawrence Welk, the Boston Pops, Country & Western, and Old Time Gospel Hymns. She was a devoted sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt, and a friend of many people. She will be greatly missed and leaves a legacy of kindness and love.
Preceding Carol in death was her parents John and Pauline, her sister Ann & brother-in-law Charles Onthank, her in-laws Clayton and Letha Nickell, and 10 brother and sister in-laws. She is survived by her husband Russ, sisters-in-laws Iris Riley, Donna Smiley, Joyce Riley, Rose Nickell, Lynne (Sam) Randolph, Larry (Donna) Nickell, and children Doug (Nora), Brian (Claudia), Steven (Rachelle), six grandchildren,13 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.
A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday March 25 th at the Heer Mortuary Chapel, 222 Cameron Street, Brush, CO. A time of fellowship and lunch will follow at the Carroll Building Community Center, 418 Edison Street, Brush, CO.