Dixie Olive Nichols
November 29, 1940 ~ September 8, 2026
Born in:
Ironwood , MI
Resided in:
Princeton , IL
Dixie Olive Nichols, 85, of Princeton, IL, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Greenfield Retirement Home in Princeton, surrounded by her loved ones.
Dixie was born on November 29, 1940 in Ironwood, Michigan, the daughter of William H. and Virgie (Conley) Wood.
At the age of 15 while working at a local movie theater, Dixie met the love of her life and never looked back. She married Noel “Denver” Nichols on September 1, 1957 in Newton, IL. Dixie and Denver shared a wonderful 68 years together before his passing on May 7, 2025.
Dixie lived life to the fullest with her husband by her side. They enjoyed golfing and socializing at the former Bureau Valley Country Club. Dixie loved spending time with her girlfriends; playing bridge, eating at one of their favorite spots (The Park Tavern), or taking vacations to the Caribbean. They spent summers fishing at their family cabin in Ontario Canada, where her grandsons learned to drive a boat. She treasured shopping trips with her granddaughters and summers spent by the pond.
She was the life of every party. Dressed to the nines, Dixie loved to entertain, was a phenomenal cook, and if there was a dance floor…Denver and Dixie were on it. She had impeccable taste, creating a home that was somehow fancy and welcoming all at once.
Denver and Dixie built a life people dream of. She was generous, always knowing just when you needed a little extra help. She left an impression everywhere she went. Witty and honest, she built friendships with an unmatched devotion.
Most of all, Dixie cherished her family.
She is survived by her four children, Pat (Annie) Nichols of Wyanet, Bill (Kassi Parker) Nichols of Long Beach, WA, Polly (Mike) Ulm of Colorado Springs, CO, and Shawn (Maura) Nichols of Princeton; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Dixie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Denver; and her brother, Sam (Bill) Wood.
As one of her dear friends said, “she has earned her rest.” Per Dixie’s wishes, there will be no services. Cremation rites have been accorded.
Memorials may be directed to Shriners Children’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
View current weather.
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Dixie Olive Nichols 's name.
Shriners Children's Hospital
P.O. Box 947765
Atlanta ,
GA
30394
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
We are very sad to hear about Dixie. She was always such a joy to visit with & she an asked about our kids. She & I (Bev) would always try to be first in line for dance recital tickets. It was a running joke between us. My heart goes out to each & every one of you.
I meant to say…she always asked about our kids.
Dixie was always kind and interesting to talk with when she went to Eagle’s Grocery store throughout my years of working there in Princeton.
God bless her. Denver and Dixie are dancing together again 🙏🏿
Julie, Amy, Gene and Donna Nichols
Dixie…Never a dull moment. She will be missed 😢
Dixie was a very warm and welcoming to all. She opened her beautiful home during the Princeton Christmas Walk and my 2 sons fished many times with Annie’s children back in the day when Denver and Dixie lived under I 80. We got to know her at the Nichols weddings. Fun loving, absolutely fashion forward and just a happy lady. Prayers to all the kids and grands, Hugs 🫂 and love ❤️ She will be missed
I have never felt more welcomed into someone’s life than I was with them. Whenever they were back in central Illinois I would always make it a point and set aside time to have a beverage with them and share memories and good times spent together.
My thoughts and petard with the whole family in this time of grief and sadness.
She will be missed by so many but rest assured she and Denver are once again on the dance floor showing everyone how it should be done.
Love and prayers Bob, Liz and the family.
What a wonderful story about the pond.
Deepest sympathy to all of you.