Betty Ann Nichols, 88, of Valparaiso 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 1957. 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, Mark Nichols of Wheatfield & Barbara Woodcox of Mishawaka, grandchildren: Sean Phillips, Rebecca (Trent) Mendyke & Ryan Nichols, great-grandchildren: Cadence, Londyn & Avery, and her siblings: Nancy (Dale) Amacher, Sally Ewert & Dennis Potocnik. She was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Dave Woodcox.
A visitation will be held Monday, April 20th from 10 am – 12 noon at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 99 S. County Line Rd., Crown Point, with funeral service beginning at 12:00 noon, Rev. Tamara Jacobi & Rev. Nancy Amacher officiating with burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Valparaiso. Memorial donations may be made to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church.
GUESTBOOK
We'll miss your zest for life and devotion to your faith and family. You will be greatly missed, but we know you are in the hands of God standing by your beloved husband. Our condolences to your children and family. -Jeffrey & Kelly Kinder
Where do I begin…Betty was the Matriarch of Cross of Christ and everyone loved her deeply. Her smile, laugh and devotion were amazing. She was my #1 cheerleader the years I was council president and became a dear friend. As we both had hip issues and used walkers and canes, she never missed an opportunity to jokingly challenge me to a race. Betty, you will always have a special place in my heart. Now go get on that motorcycle that Ernie had waiting for you! Rest in peace. -Jane Kienig
Betty was a bright shining star at Cross of Christ. She always had a smile and a hug for everyone! We will miss sitting with her during service and laughing with her during fellowship. My family loved her and she will be sorely missed. Prayers for peace and comfort go out to her family. -Cathie Lakatos
