Montezuma - Martha Koehn Nichols went "home", to meet the Lord, on October 2, 2020, in Bethel Home, Montezuma. She was the 6th of 9 children born to Dan W. and Lizzie (Schmidt) Koehn in McPherson County on April 12, 1924. Mom spent her growing up years on the family farm close to Galva. She received 8 years of education at the Lone Tree and Liberty schools, walking to and from school in good and bad weather.  Having grown up during the depression, she believed that "a penny saved, is a penny earned".

At the age of 13, she felt the need of a Savior, and she was baptized on January 10, 1938 by Min. John Becker, remaining faithful to the end. She enjoyed various jobs during her single life.  Some of them included cleaning and doing laundry in two different hospitals, where she resolved to someday be a nurse.  She enjoyed two school terms on the Navajo Mission. She pursued her dream of being a nurse and started nurses training together with her sister, and that only lasted 3 months. After receiving a marriage proposal, Mom dropped out of training and married Frank Nichols on December 2, 1956, at the age of 32.

Dad and Mom made their home on the family farm south of Fairview, Oklahoma. Their home was blessed with one son and one daughter. Mom was Dad's right hand helper on the farm, driving truck during harvest, milking cows, as well as keeping the home.  Her interest in farming stayed with her until her last days.

Mom always kept busy and she gained satisfaction of another project complete, whether it was another piece of antique furniture restored, or a quilt finished. Unfinished projects were not left for long, and so also in her Christian life, she made sure there was no unfinished work. She often carried a concern for her family and friends.  Hearing of loved ones spiritual victories also brought her a special joy.

Mom was very supportive of dad in the office of Deaconry, being a lover of hospitality. She and Dad made many happy memories fulfilling their call to service.  Our first memories as a family were in the Enid, Oklahoma mission.  In 1969, we as a family, spent two years in the mission in Mexico. A highlight was when she and Dad gave time in Anaheim California. She has fond memories of cooking and caring for all the people they met there, talking about it until the end of her life. She was Dad's navigator through the freeways of L.A.

In 1976, we as a family, made the move to Versailles, Missouri. Mom loved the congregation there, and all the people they have learned to know have enriched their lives. In 2000, they sold the farm in Missouri and made the move to Montezuma. Once again she made herself at home and enjoyed making new friends. In 2007, Dad was taken from her side, leaving her very lonely. She accepted life's changes graciously. In 2010, she moved into an apartment at Bethel Home, where she enjoyed living for the next 10 years.

She said that she was ready to go after she had seen each of the great grandchildren this last summer.  We will all miss her and her spunky personality but are thankful she can go Home, where she longed to go.

Those left with a host of memories are one son, Donovan and Angela, Meno, Oklahoma, and their children Samantha and Ryan Smith and Ryan Nichols; one daughter, Marsha and Max Koehn, Polson, Montana, and their children Amanda and Clark Classen, Ben and Lorelea Koehn, and Emily and Travis Jordan.  Eight great grand children lit up her life.  Her nieces and nephews were very special to her, as were many friends. Preceding her in death are her husband, Frank, her parents, and 4 brothers and 4 sisters, Pete, Sam, Abe, Alfred, Eva, Anna, Alda and Ada.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Wednesday October  7, 2020 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Charles Schmidt, Melvin Koehn, and Clark Classen presiding.  Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Tuesday October  6, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.