Marion Nickel

Marion Utz Nickel, 88, died Thursday (August 22, 2013) at the Presbyterian Manor in Newton.

Marion was born on May 9, 1925 to Everett Cecil Utz and Inez Azelia (Kinnear) Utz in Newton, Kansas. The family lived on E. 6th St. in Newton at that time. Marion was approximately 5 years younger than her sister, Myra (also known as “Tootie”) who passed away June 28th this year. She was also preceded in death by her older brother, Max Frederick Utz, and her parents. Her husband, Ray Nickel, passed away on March 22, 2000.

Marion was a lively youngster, very active and somewhat of a tom boy. She loved climbing trees and riding her bicycle. She started playing clarinet in the fourth grade and continue throughout the school years. She participated in the Newton High School Marching Band.

Marion and Ray were married on August 15, 1947 in Wichita. Marion and Ray were always a part of the Long family and the Utz family celebrations and many holidays, Father’s and Mother’s Days and other holidays were celebrated together. Ray worked a very strict schedule as head of Dillon’s produce section when the store was by the railroad tracks. Marion always had the noon meal on the table at 12:00 sharp and if Ray arrived past 12:05 p.m., he was late!

She was very close to her parents and often bicycled out from 410 Duncan to 1100 E. Broadway to visit them and do her laundry, and in later years she took care of her parents by making their meals and doing some of their general housework.

Marion was a member of Eastern Star as were her sister and parents. She was initiated in May, 1955 and served as Esther in 1956 and Martha in 1958. She was presented her 50 year pin by a delegation of members on Nov. 22, 2005 at the Presbyterian Manor.
Marion had a great sense of humor and a great laugh. She would always cheer a sick person up with some silly little gift. When her brother Max had his open heart surgery at St. Francis, she would take something clever or silly down every day to make him smile. When senility crept into her parents’ lives, she was able to be very gentle and patient with them. Unfortunately, in the late 90’s a severe stroke struck her down and she was never fully recovered. We especially thank her many care givers at Presbyterian Manor and Hospice for easing the discomfort of her last days.

Memorial graveside services and inurnment for Marion and her sister Myra will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday (September 20, 2013) at the Greenwood Cemetery.

A memorial has been established with the Presbyterian Manor, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120. E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.