Patty Ann Nichols

December 7, 1955 – April 29, 2026

Patty Ann Nichols, 70, Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday afternoon, April 29, 2026, at Majestic Care of Sheridan. Born December 7, 1955, in Lebanon, Ind., she was the daughter of Alfred and Barbara (Adams) Endsley.

She was a 1974 graduate of Sheridan High School.

Patty attended Freedom Church in Lebanon. Her strong faith was the foundation of a life spent in service to others.

In 1980, Patty would join the Marionettes Extension Homemakers club, and from there, her life would never be the same. She slowly began flirting with the idea of serving as an officer with the club, and before you knew it, she had served in every position available. It didn’t stop there either. Patty became very active in all areas of the Extension Homemakers (EH) program. During her years with the Boone County Extension Homemakers, she proudly served as President on three separate occasions (1997-99, 2009-2011, and 2022-2024), giving her the distinct honor of being the only three-term office holder at that position.

She wasn’t content with just holding office; she also loved volunteering in any way she could during the 4-H fair, especially when it came to the Beehive. It wasn’t long before she became involved on the District level. The Indianapolis District, consisting of Indianapolis and most of the donut counties (Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Morgan, and Shelby), quickly gave her a whole new group of people to share her EH journey with. It also gave Patty many more ways to serve. From 1999-2024, she held various roles, including District Treasurer (five different times), District Secretary (six different times), and District Representative during the 2002-2004 term. Her years at the District level were filled with various committee obligations, but it was getting to visit with Extension member from the various clubs that was always a very special time. The friendships she made from different functions (especially the Fall Retreat at Waycross) became long-lasting ones. Her absence from the 2025 retreat was felt by everyone.

As much as she loved visiting other clubs, hosting Boone County EH events was always a favorite. The “Host a Hoosier” program was definitely an opportunity that fit Patty like a glove. As you can probably imagine, Patty became heavily involved with the Extension Homemakers at the State level (1999-2023) as well.

As with every other part of the organization she was involved with, this was not an idle role. She was involvement in various committees including the Education Focus Group, State Education, Cultural Arts, Logo, Volunteer Community Support, Style Show, Leadership, Silent Auction at the state conference, and Marketing, were just the tip of the iceberg of things she was involved with. She always loved attending the Indiana Extension Homemakers (ISHA) conference every spring. She was also a member of NVON (National Volunteer Outreach Network).

Patty was also a huge fan of the Indiana State Fair. During her 20 years at the fair, she worked in clothing area at the Home and Family Arts Building. This gave her the perfect cover to go looking at (and bringing home) many, many, baskets from various artisans. Once a basket made its way in the door, it was home free.

4-H and the Extension Homemakers was Patty’s life, and in turn, became her family’s life as well. She insisted that the grandchildren participate in 4-H. As you can guess, she was the most supportive grandmother in the world. She was always willing to help with projects, give advice, and push them to continue forward. Several of the grandkids became 10-year members, and Patty was lucky enough to be there for all of it.

There was nothing more important in her life than family. She always tried to instill the values of hard work and dedication, as well as passing along the knowledge she gained throughout her life. Patty wanted to make sure that everyone learned how to cook. that was no small task, but in doing so, she also passed along a great appreciation for her love of gardening.

Patty was also a very talented seamstress. One of her many gifts were baby quilts for all of the grandchildren. Family also included her four-legged friends as well. Patty loved animals, and was never shy about adopting any dogs or feral cats that found their way to her. Her fur babies never knew a better home.

She also had a deep love for traveling. Patty was lucky enough to be able to see some amazing places throughout this beautiful country, visiting all but eight states. Some of her most memorable trips included stops at Yellowstone, as well as every state involved in the Civil War.

Patty is survived by her loving husband, Mark Lee Nichols. He and Patty were married on July 7, 1984. Also surviving are her two sons, Matthew Raymond Crail of Sheridan and Douglas Lee Nichols (Mandy) of Danville; two daughters, Lacey Dawn Haseley (Michael P.) of Lebanon, and Vanessa Grace Hamblin (Daniel) of Lebanon; grandchildren, Kody, Shelby, Elijah, Oliver, Mila, Beckett, Adler, Aydan (fiancée, Brooklyn), Crosby, and Leilani; and siblings, Diana Susong of Jamestown, Debbie Burton (Carl) of Sheridan, and Jerry Endsley (Kelli) of Colfax.

She was preceded in death by her father, Alfred Endsley; daughter, Christina Ann Crail; and by her 1st husband, Raymond Crail.

A Celebration of Patty’s life will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at Freedom Church, 2061 Indianapolis Ave., Lebanon.

A memorial fund in Patty’s name has been started by the Boone County Extension Homemakers. Memorial contributions can be mailed to BCEH, 1300 E 100 S, Lebanon, IN 46052, or can be delivered to the Extension Office at the Boone County Fairgrounds.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kercheval Funeral Home in Sheridan.

Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com