Evelyn Delores Nichols

God called His faithful servant, Evelyn Nichols, age 86 of Miamisburg, home on Friday, September 18th, 2026 while surrounded by her loving family. She was born on February 26th, 1940 in Hamilton, Ohio to the late Dean and Hattie (Crain) Sowder. In addition to her parents, Evelyn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Orville Nichols, her son, Matthew Christian Nichols, brothers Larry Sowder and Danny Sowder and great-granddaughter Hayzley Grace Nichols. She is survived by her daughter Elisia (Tony) Hayes; sons, Michael (Leslie) Nichols and C. Mitchell (Jodi) Nichols; grandchildren, Christina (Kevin) Morris, Melissa (Luke) Jayjohn, John (Lindsey) Hayes, Carter Nichols, Josie Nichols, Andrew Nichols and Ethan Nichols; great-grandchildren, Samuel Jayjohn, Benjamin Morris, Elise Jayjohn, Elijah Morris, Solomon Jayjohn, Cora Jayjohn and Violet Hayes.

She was a graduate of Hamilton High School and briefly worked in the candy department of Wilmurs Department Store (Became Elder-Beerman in 1967), and was awarded the title of “Mrs. Wilmurs of 1960”. After getting married and having her children, she spent her life as a devoted wife, mother, Nana and Great-Nana. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and many will remember all of the loaves of Sugar Bread that she shared with others. After taking a Wilton’s Cake Decoration class, she became known for her beautifully decorated birthday cakes and Easter Cross and Rabbit Cakes.

For most of her life she worked diligently to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. She was a Sunday School Teacher, Bible Study Leader and started a young mother’s Christian group known as The Loving Ewes. She participated in various ministries, along side her husband, such as: Billy Graham Film Ministry, Clyde Dupin Evangelistic Team, American Bible Society Ohio State Coordinator, and the Miamisburg Ministerial Association. She spread the Good News around the world with mission trips to Russia and Israel, and is best known for the tens of thousands of Cross in the Pockets that she made and shared all around the world. Even after entering a nursing facility she continued spreading the Good News, ministering to all of the staff and residents and distributing her hand-made crosses.

Her love for her family was her greatest accomplishment, and she adored her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely. We all celebrate her home, but she will be greatly missed.

Family will receive friends from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM on Monday, September 28, 2026 at Newcomer Funeral Home - Kettering, (3940 Kettering Blvd., Kettering, OH 45439) with a service to follow at 2:00 PM, performed by Pastor Mike Tuttle. Donations may be made in honor of her grandson, Andrew who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to the Alex Rezkalla Foundation at https://www.alexrezkallafoundation.org/

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