Myrtle Nichols

Waynesville, Myrtle Rebecca Anders Nichols, age 89, went home to be with the Lord while surrounded by family on Tuesday, January19, 2021.

Born February 28, 1931 she would proudly say she was the 8th of 10 children born to the late Lum and Lona Kuykendall Anders.  Myrtle was also preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Leonard Bill Nichols; son, William Stanley Nichols; sisters, Edith, Mardell, Louise, Hazel, Jeannie and Stella; and brothers, Weaver and Ben.

Myrtle was raised in a hardworking, loving and God-fearing family, therefore she valued and exemplified those traits in her life. She became a live-in Nanny at age 15 for Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Karanski of Candler, while continuing high school.  The Karanski’s treated her like family and those years made a lasting impression on her as she spoke of them often.   After graduation, the Karanski’s moved to Atlanta and Myrtle came to Waynesville where she began working at Dayco until she married.  She then became a full-time wife, mother, and homemaker, excelling at all three.   Bill and Myrtle eventually made their home on Plott Creek, where Bill grew up, to raise their family.  When the children were grown, she again worked at Dayco, retiring after 10 years.  She and Bill had 20 great years together after retirement traveling, taking day trips, mini trips and a long trip to the West.

Nanny Myrt was a friend, confidant, encourager, listener, counselor and pillar of strength to all who knew her. She always had a positive attitude and looked for the good in everything and everyone.  She loved to cook, sew, preserve food, flower garden, and re-upholster furniture.  Myrtle greatly anticipated and enjoyed family reunions, visits from sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews, and especially picnics at the Nichols Picnic Place on Plott Creek. Her greatest love however was her family.  Myrtle totally dedicated her life to her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchild, and extended family and friends.  Her selfless Christlike love has been an inspiration and example for all who knew her.  Her children and grands, “all her babies”, were the light in her eye and the jewels around her neck.

Known as Myrtle, Myrt, Mom, Nanny Myrt and Aunt Myrtle, those left to cherish her life and memory are her children; Lynn Nichols, Elaine Hefner (Dennis), and Wayne Nichols (Paula); daughter-in-law, Dianne Nichols; grandchildren, Jason Deal (Angie), Josh Deal, Will Nichols (Crystal), Callie Nichols, Nick Hefner (Ruthann), Anders Davis (Jordan), Colby Nichols (Jordan), and Sydney Withrow (Cody);  great-grandchildren, Dana, Jesse, Austin and Amelia Deal, Tanner and Sadie Nichols, Colt Lowe, Deacon Hefner and Reed Davis; great-great-grandchild, Noah; sister, Ruth Wilson; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friend, Ellen Rathbone.

A private graveside service will be held.

Memorials may be made to Haywood County Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 931, Waynesville, NC 28786 or Haywood County EMS, 141 Hemlock Street, Waynesville, NC 28786.