Betty Ann Nichols, 88, of Valparaiso, IN passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026. She was born March 30, 1938, to Emil & Elsie (Laakso) Potocnik and graduated from Owen-Withee High School in 1956. Betty made her career with Valparaiso Community Schools Food Service for 33 years, retiring in 2003, having spent most of her time at Flint Lake Elementary. She was a founding member of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church where she was quite active and considered all of the members as part of her family. Creating numerous banners for the church fell in line with her love of coloring. She also enjoyed Sudoku puzzles, watching old movies, savoring a cup of coffee, and the occasional gin & tonic for medicinal purposes. In her younger years she loved to cook and entertain with her husband.
On June 9, 1956 she married Ernest N. Nichols who preceded her in death in 1995. Survivors include their children: Darlene (Randy) Johnson of DeMotte, IN, Mark Nichols of Wheatfield, IN and Barbara Woodcox of Mishawaka, IN; grandchildren: Sean Phillips, Rebecca (Trent) Mendyke and Ryan Nichols; great-grandchildren: Cadence, Londyn and Avery; and her siblings: Nancy (Dale) Amacher, Sally Ewert and Dennis Potocnik. She was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Dave Woodcox.
A funeral service was held at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, Crown Point, IN. Rev. Tamara Jacobi and Rev. Nancy Amacher officiated with burial following at Memorial Park Cemetery, Valparaiso. Memorial donations may be made to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church.
