Wilmoth Nichols

Bess Wilmoth Earhart Nichols passed away peacefully on January 28th, 2023, at the Perry Lutheran Homes Kings Garden Campus. She was the daughter of Joseph and Evie (Durrwachter) Earhart, Sr. was born at home December 28, 1924, in Bumpus Mills, Tennessee. She was educated in Stewart County Tennessee Schools. In the sixth grade she won the Stewart County Spelling Bee. This would be the first of multiple spelling bees that she would win. She always gave credit for winning the spelling bees to an elementary teacher that taught phonics. She was Valedictorian of the Dover High School Class of 1940. After graduation she moved to St. Louis for employment. While in St. Louis she was a volunteer at the USO. USO volunteers were not allowed to give their phone numbers to men in the service. So, she gave her roommates phone number to Cecil Nichols, Jr. They were married on March 21, 1944 in Hayes, Kansas. After World War 2 they settled in Arispe, Iowa and raised their family. She always believed that if you live in a community to be part of it. She was a Den Mother, Sunday School teacher and the first Chairperson of the Arispe School Carnival. In 1964 she started a new career as the bookkeeper in the family grain elevator which they sold in 1986. They enjoyed retirement. Going on several trips in the United States, Canada, and Europe. They loved going to parades, community events and seeing old customers. She enjoyed quilting. She made 47 quilts and gave all but one away which she kept for herself. She really enjoyed spelling bees. She was a five-time Senior Citizens champion of the Iowa State Fair Spelling Bee. In 2011 she moved to Perry, Iowa. She is survived by her sons. John (Edna) of Shawnee, Oklahoma. Norman of Dewitt, Iowa. Joe (Becca) of Snohomish, Washington, and Keith (Karen) of Perry, Iowa. Four grandchildren, one great granddaughter, and two great-great granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her husband Cecil, son Robert, daughter in Law Cathie, and step grandson John Thomas. Her parents and siblings Joe Jr, Orvil, Wilton, Maxine, Caroline, Elaine, and Betty Lou. Graveside services will be held Thursday, February 2, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Afton, Iowa. Reverend Jim Morris will officiate. Family will great friends at the Arispe Roadside Caf from 2-4 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to East Union Dollars for Scholars. Graveside Service Thursday, February 2, 2023 1:00 PM Green Lawn Cemetery 1869 Pheasant Ave. Afton, IA 50830