Allison Joy Nichols died on April 8, 2020 of complications from cancer. Allison was born to Arden R. and Carol Ann (Holtberg) Nichols on a beautiful spring Sunday afternoon on March 24, 1957, in Wolf Point, Montana. She was the third of nine children.
She attended school in Frazer, Montana home of the Bearcubs, graduating in 1975.
Allison received her B.A. in Communications with a minor in Religion and Psychology from MSU – Bozeman.
After many jobs: waitress, bank teller, nanny, sales, she found her calling, Nail Tech! She specialized in pedicures. She loved feet!
Her gift of gab and sense of humor made her the gal to interview, listen, inform, console, scold and entertain you while she clipped, rubbed and massaged your feet. She had a special place in her heart for her Milk River Activity clients, keeping their feet in tip-top condition. She loved to travel. Often planning and researching for months. Her travels included: art tours to New York, Washington DC, and Chicago, a musical tour to England and Scotland and two vacations to Maui. The annual sister trips were always a highlight.
For many years Allison hosted our Monday night with dinner, dancing and dessert. One hour of dining with two hours of “Dancing with the Stars”. She loved host Tom Bergeron. Allison was the “Chairman” with members Beth, Annette, Ruth, Kristen and Pam.
Allison is preceded in death by her parents, Arden and Carol Nichols; sisters, Nancy Nichols and Dana Hansen; and the “joy of her life”, her calico cat Fiona Joy Nichols.
She is survived by: Brice (Lorraine) Nichols of Frazer, Montana, Beth Flynn of Glasgow, Montana, Henry Flynn of Oswego, Montana, Harlan (Colleen) Nichols of Billings, Montana, Jeanine (Tom) Beckley of Renton, Washington, Andi (Jeff) Johnson of Glasgow, Montana, Jan (Erik) Gresseth of Friday Harbor, Washington; brother-in-law William Hansen of Albany Oregon; nine nephews; three nieces; nine great-nephews and nine great-nieces.
Allison believed in volunteering and was a member or board member of many organizations. She always donated her cooking talents to a worthy cause. If you would like to make a donation in Allison’s name, these are her top seven local choices, all in Glasgow, Montana. Milk River Activity Center, Northeastern Arts Network, First Lutheran Church, PEO, Fort Peck Summer Theatre, Valley County Hope Project, and Valley County Pioneer Museum.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, Montana.
“Life was a Joy!”
Paula Hicks says
I shall miss miss Allison…such a loving, energetic, generous lovely lady…wonderful baker…had such a fun time learning how to make her famous pecan tarts! RIP Allison…love and miss you always❤❤
Carolyn Bachtold says
Thoughts and prayers for Allison’s family! Her smile, laughter, and joy for living will be missed by the Glasgow community! Cherish the memories!
Kathy James says
Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. Allison was so full of life. I am sorry for your loss.
Heather Hooper says
I loved Allison!!! She was an all around awesome lady. She was always great to my family and will be dearly missed. She touched the lives of many people young and old. My thoughts go out to her wonderful family❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Holly says
I am going to miss her terribly! (My feet will too!). She always had something to say, mostly funny. She will truly be missed.
Lisa Garsjo Thievin says
Allison was definitely the most joyful person I have ever known, and what a beautiful soul she was!
She wore her angel wings here on earth.
Rest Peacefully Allison. I will miss your infectious smile. 🥺
Ruth Winder says
Oh Al, you will be greatly missed. Your robust joy was so contagious. Your laughter filled any room you were in. I will miss many things about you…but most of all I will miss YOU. Love you girl. Your Texas Gal….Ruth Winder
Sandra Mason says
So sorry for your loss, thinking of you at this difficult time.
Kathy Euell Merrill says
I will miss seeing Allison every summer I came home. I would come in for a pedicure and she would give me a big hug and we would talk “shop”. Being in the same industry, we both loved exchanging ideas with each other. My thoughts are with all of her family.❤️
Lorraine says
I think of her every time i see a Van Gogh with a splash of yellow!!! What a precious smile, laugh and loving support to so many. My sympathies to all of you.
Pamela Helland says
For Miss Allison. I knew you as The Nail Tech. And I must say that my feet have never been cared for as well as they were when you put your Loving hands on me. You were caring for your mother at the time, who was losing Her battle to cancer. How difficult for me to learn now that you have now lost that same battle. Miss Allison, your life on this earth will not be forgotten by those who love and care for you. I am one of those people. You spread your joy and gift all around and brought so much happiness to this world. Your life had so much meaning. Love You Lady. Pamela Helland~
Rose Speer says
Sorry for your loss. Prayers to the family.
Ginny Schneider Beaudoin says
My gosh I’m so shocked and saddened by this loss of Allison. She was a one of my highlights when I come to Glasgow. We always had giggles and good conversation when she would do my pedicures. She was such a vibrant personality! I know she will be dearly missed! Rest in peace Allison! save me a spot in your pedicure chair for when we meet again!
Jill Hill says
Love you Allison! I will miss your positive attitude, love of life and your dedication to the arts. You will always be known as the best cook Northeastern Arts Network ever had and also the gal with the best hugs! I know you are enjoying the concerts in the sky and I’ll think of you at all of our music events. I miss you so much!
Linda Novak says
Allison- I will miss our times together. You were a bright light in the lives of many people. Always much laughter and so many things to talk about. I am stunned by your leaving us. Whenever I think of you I will think of the quote “Those who bring sunshine into to the lives of others, can not keep it from themselves.” Love you girl!
Mona Hagfeldt says
It’s like I can’t believe it. I’m so sad sorry for your loss.
Jerry and Jeannie Archdale says
We are so sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim Connors says
Sure sorry to hear about Allison. What a wonderful a person who helped out all. Over 30 years ago she helped me with a volcano for an earth science project and still remember the laughs to this day. Thoughts are with the Nichols family.
Leah Erickson says
Alison was always such a light! She was always such a kind and friendly soul. We are better for knowing her. Prayers to your family.
Leah & Lynn Erickson🙏
Leann Pelvit says
Allison, it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye for now. We talked about going to Scotland in 2022 and I might have to find a partner to drag along and include you in spirit. I will miss you quick wit, and wonderful hugs. You are greatly missed by everyone who knew you. Love you always.
LaDora (DeSonia) Baisch says
I ran into Allison at the Fort Peck Theater last summer. I was immediately drawn to her outgoing, happy and friendly demeanor. We chatted briefly but I didn’t want the conversation to end. I kept hoping I would run into her again. We were complete strangers but I felt like we knew each other for years. She greatly brightened my life with a simple 5 minute interaction. I will do my best to pay it forward.
Thana Nightingale Fischer says
Blessings to Allison’s family from the Fischer family in Billings,
Allie was such a light in any group setting, and she was so treasured by Christine. It will take us a long time to accept that she is not cooking and laughing and supporting the arts and healing feet up in Glasgow. But I think the veil between life and death is very thin, and she will still be supporting her family and friends from her new vantage point. And we will all see each other again. Blessings in your time of grief and gratitude for her life.
Love, Thana
Tom Satterly says
Dear Allison Joy.
Each time I remember you, each time I share a story about you, your memory will live on. And some day, generations from now, someone will repeat someting you said or do a kindness as you has you have done, and you will live on in them.
Thank you for the Joy
Tap ‘er lite, from your friend in Butte
Tom Satterly
Tom Satterly says
Dear Allison Joy.
Each time I remember you, each time I share a story about you, your memory will live on. And some day, generations from now, someone will repeat someting you said or do a kindness as you have done, and you will live on in them.
Thank you for the Joy
Tap ‘er lite, from your friend in Butte
Tom Satterly
Ellen Osborne says
Dear Allie Joy,
I just learned this yesterday. I think of you so often and worried about you in the pandemic. So thankful I ran into you at the Veterans Memorial at Fort Peck in 2017. Always enjoyed our visits in Glasgow. You were the best college roommate! Rest in Peace.
Love & prayers,
Roomie
Ellen MaunderOsborne