Elfriede Nichols

Known as “Grandma Elfi,” age 88, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Mat-Su Regional surrounded by loved ones.

Elfi was born February 16, 1930, in Austria. That is where she met and married her husband William Thomas Nichols. She was a wonderful, loving mother to four: two girls and two boys. They traveled and made their way to Alaska in 1967, and they knew then that Alaska was going to be their forever home. Elfi enjoyed many things in life from shopping, sewing, Bingo, to boating and fishing; however, her avid passion for gardening and planting flowers always started in the spring. You would find her prepping and planting hundreds of flowers because there was no such as to many. In May, you would find her home decorated with hanging baskets galore and flowerbeds lining the driveway. Her flowers were always beautiful and always a topic for those who came to visit her. This gentle, loving, caring mom, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend has left a permanent mark etched on our hearts and will be greatly missed.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, William Nichols, son Tommy Nichols, and daughter Valerie Redding.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Penny and Jim Ressler; her son and daughter-in-law Johnny and Sheri Nichols; grandchildren Danielle Boensch, Krystal Limb, Jimbo Ressler, Michael Redding, Devan Redding, Little John Nichols, Brent Nichols, Adam Nichols and Justin Nichols; along with many great grandchildren.

Elfi will be forever remembered for her beautiful flowers, her smile, her gentle eyes and her caring heart. Although our hearts are heavy, we will celebrate her life and find comfort that she is in heaven watching over us. A celebration of life will be held this early summer, details will be announced at a later date.