Bonita Sue Nicholson

RICHMOND, Ind. - Bonita Sue Nicholson, age 51, died peacefully at home on Friday, October 10, 2008, after a courageous five year battle with breast cancer. Bonnie was born on November 2, 1956, to Carl and Wilma Wasson in Ironton, Ohio. When Bonnie was three years old she and her family moved to Richmond, Ind., where she lived the rest of her life. Bonnie was a Richmond High School graduate and earned a bachelor's degree from Earlham College. She later earned her master's degree in Education from Ball State University. Bonnie started her teaching career in Whitewater Elementary School but spent most her 26 - year career teaching fifth and sixth grade at Northeastern Elementary School in Fountain City. She taught numerous subjects but specialized in science. Bonnie received the Wal-Mart Good Works Teacher of the Year in 2004. Bonnie was a member of First Friends Meeting where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and also was on the New Meeting House Committee. She also attended West Richmond Friends Meeting for many years, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. Bonnie just recently received a certificate of appreciation for her years of service at the Quaker Hill Conference Center. Bonnie enjoyed her family, especially when they vacationed at Holden Beach, N.C. She also was an avid soccer fan who traveled far and wide to watch her daughters play. Bonnie enjoyed all types of crafts over the years but became very prolific at beading and jewelry making in the last two years of her life. Bonnie is survived by her husband of 22 years, Bruce DeCou Nicholson; her two daughters, Robin Esther Nicholson and Elizabeth Ann Nicholson; her brother, Richard Wasson and his wife Lawonna of Kansas City, Mo.; her sister, Ruth Brown Egan and her husband John of Richmond and sister Virginia Cameron and her husband Ron of Mount Vernon, Ohio; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ed and Chris Nicholson of Richmond; brother-in-law, Doug Nicholson of Richmond and brother-in-law, Dan Midget-Nicholson and his wife Patti of Greensboro, N.C.; sister-in-law, Diana Nicholson-Nelson and her husband Gil of Salem, Ore., and sister-in-law, Barbara Nicholson and her husband Robert Davis of Seattle, Wash.; numerous nieces and nephews; cousins and aunts and uncles. She also leaves a special group of friends known as the 'Mom's Group.' Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents and one sister-in-law, Sharon Wasson. A traditional memorial service led by Doug Gwyn and Tom Mullen will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2008, at First Friends Meeting, 2010 Chester Blvd. Doan & Mills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wayne County Foundation, 33 South 7th St., Richmond, In 47374, for the Bonnie Nicholson Scholarship Fund at Northeastern High School. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Bonita Sue Nicholson

November 2, 1956 - October 10, 2008