Elaine Shirley Nickles

Elaine Shirley Nickles, 84, of St. Joseph, went to be with her Heavenly Father on March 12, 2010 and has at long last been reunited with her Mom and Dad. She passed away at Victoria Court, her assisted living home. She was surrounded by her family and devoted friends/case workers. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Tuesday, March 16 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Napier Parkview Baptist Church, 245 W. Napier Ave., Benton Harbor. The Rev. John Hosler will be officiating. Burial will follow at Crystal Springs Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel. Elaine spent most of her life in a wheel chair, the result of a difficult delivery. Although she was severely handicapped physically, and had great difficulty with her speech, she enjoyed many things in life. Her mind was sharp and she loved a good laugh. She spent many long hours painstakingly crocheting a potholder, stringing beads into a necklace, or painting a pretty picture. There was always a project to work on. Elaine was born on January 31, 1926 in Benton Harbor, the only child of Ray and Ruth (Prillwitz) Nickles. Elaine outlived both parents. For the past several years, she has lived at Victoria Court in St. Joseph where she received much love and excellent care. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Ruth, her grandparents, John and Sophronia Krieger, and Henry and Martha Prillwitz. Elaine is survived by her care-giving guardians, Walt and Bonnie Rutter, and many cousins. Memorials may be made to the Children with Special Needs Funds or Christian Youth Ministries. Friends wishing to leave a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.