Barbara Ellen (Coey) Nichols

Barbara Ellen Nichols, age 70, of Lancaster finished her journey and went to be with the love of her life on Thursday, January, 19 2023 at her residence. She was a 1971 graduate of Lancaster High School. Barb went on to attend Hocking School of Nursing where she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Later she would further educate her nursing to Master’s in Nursing through Grant School of Nursing. She worked in health care for over 30 years. Even after retirement, she continued to use her nursing skills taking care of loved ones and running a home child care business. Barb was a member of First United Methodist Church in Lancaster. She also was a member of the Amvets, VFW Post 1380, and Loyal Order of the Moose #955. Barb was an amazing foster “aka Bonus” mom to 315 children. She believed in education and the power it held for someone. She & Dave sent over twenty kids to college. Her family and friends meant absolutely everything to her.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelley Anne Nichols of Lancaster; bonus daughters from God: Liz Mangual, Ericka (Clyde) Summers, Dusty (Al) Mangual, Beth (Tim) Allen plus many more; her precious grandchildren who were the joy of her life, Catherine Bowers, Joshua Barnes, Ema-Faith and Destinie Nichols, Dalton Summers, Ethan and Mason Summers, Quintin and Alissa Allen, and Stella Deal; numerous nieces and nephews but special niece whom was like a daughter Tara (Bart) Poston; brother William (Ricki) Spicer; aunt Alice Floyd; brother-in-law Bruce Avis; sisters-in-law, Cathy Coey and Belinda Pennington, best friends, Ann Klinebriel, Linda Morgan, Marcia Beatty and Linda Mettler; her Class of 71 Ladies and her faithful lap buddy Brutus.

Barb was preceded in death by her loving husband, Manson “David” Nichols, parents Chuck and Faye Coey, bonus parents Larry & Joyce Landon, brothers Michael and David Coey, and sister Beverly Rothenberger.

The family gives special thanks to the loving and caring Dr. David Scoggin and Shelley’s work family at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 10:10 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Lancaster with Rev. Dr. Alice Wolfe Brookover and Rev. Dr. Brian Jones officiating. A live broadcast of the funeral service will be hosted on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at 10:10 AM on the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory Facebook page. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130, and 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be given to the Family c/o Frank E. Smith Funeral Home.

Family request that you bring a photo of you and her or a memory that you share to be given to the family.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.