Carol Nickols

Carol Sue (Redfoot) Nickols was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed from this world on June 18, 2024 at the age of 69. Her beloved son, Matthew, was at her side. She was born to Glenn and Norma (Christy) Redfoot (both deceased) on December 8, 1954. Carol was the youngest of three children. She had an older brother, Calvin (deceased) and an older sister Nancy (Redfoot-McMillan), who currently lives in Washington. From an early age she knew the meaning of hard work being a farmers daughter. She shared many stories about picking rocks out of the field and bringing the cows back to the barn late in the evening with her sister. Growing up, she always knew being a mother was something she wanted to do in her life. She became the mother to four children. With her first husband, she welcomed Kelly (Dietrich-Habarka) and Matthew (Dietrich). She married her current husband, Larry Nickols, in March of 1980. With her marriage, a step-son, Ben (Nickols) was added and later that year another son, Adam (Nickols) was welcomed into the family. As a mom, Carol was involved in her childrens lives as a cheering spectator in the stands, concession stand volunteer, Boy Scout den mother, and homework helper. Eventually, Carol became a grandmother to eight grandchildren: Morgan, Peyton, Dominic, Darrion, Aiden (who tragically passed away at the age of 5), Hannah, Sarah, and Jaxon. In addition, two great-granddaughters were welcomed- Ellieanna and Paisley. Carol fiercely loved her family and tried to help them be successful in any way she could. Outside of her children and grandchildren, Carol found joy in caring for the multitude of pets that were part of her entire life. There were lizards, cats, dogs, goats, birds, fish, hermit crabs, and once she brought home an orphaned cow from her fathers farm! There wasnt an animal that wasnt drawn to her. Carol even cared for the animals living outdoors, especially the birds. She regularly hung bird feeders of all types just to catch a glimpse of her feathered friends. Her favorite ones to see were the bluebirds. It was important to her that they had safe places to raise their families. What a celebration it was on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge when she was reunited with all of them! Carols interests and talents took her outside of the home as well. In May of 1996, she earned an Associate Degree in Human Development and Family Studies from The Pennsylvania State University (Shenango Campus) with special recognition for earning the highest grade point average in her graduating class. Her degree led to job opportunities in TSS work, classroom aide, and eventually she became a preschool teacher. In all of her jobs working with children, Carol made sure they felt safe, loved, and appreciated. Carol was a crafty person! She enjoyed painting, sewing, and photography. Taking pictures of the birds, especially the bluebirds, at their feeders brought her special joy. Each season brought different birds and new opportunities to catch their beauty. She enjoyed making birdhouses out of gourds and sewing doll clothes for her granddaughters. Her creativity also found its way into her gardening and cooking/baking. She took great pride in her ability to create wonderful meals from the simplest of ingredients. No one left her table unsatisfied! Carols absence in the lives of her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends is profoundly felt. She will be missed greatly, but not more than she was loved in life.