Mrs. Marilyn Ethel Nichols, age 82 years, passed away Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Hilltop Manor Health Care Center in Roscommon.  She was born in Saginaw on October 25, 1928 the daughter of Iva B. (Truckner) Blissner and Lawrence J. Pflueger. Marilyn married James F. Nichols 55 years ago on April 21, 1956.  She retired from Meisel Hardware in Bay City and operated a beauty salon in her home until retiring and moving to Houghton Lake over 15 years ago.

Marilyn was a devoted and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.  She will be sadly missed but will be remembered for her caring personality and devotion to her family.  Surviving family includes her husband, James F. Nichols of Houghton Lake (formerly of Bay City), her daughter, Deborah K. Nearman of Bay City and her son, James D. (Jamie) Nichols of Kawkawlin.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Troy Nearman, Adam (Stephanie) Nearman, Grant and Parker Nichols, 4 great-grandchildren, Ashtyn, Avery, Addison and Makenzie, sisters, Elaine (Dale) Newton of Vassar and Norma Goulet of Bay City and their families and many friends.  Marilyn was preceded in death by her mother, Iva B. Blissner, her stepfather, William Blissner, her father, Lawrence J. Pflueger, her stepmother, Betty Pflueger, her son-in-law, Gary Nearman and her brother-in-law, Louie Goulet.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 805 Center Ave. in Bay City on Friday, September 30, 2011.  The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey D. Weenink officiating.  The family will be available to greet friends on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Penzien-Steele Funeral Home, 608 N. Madison Ave. in Bay City and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.  In lieu of flowers, those who wish to show an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Alzheimer's Foundation (alzfdn.org).

Notification Published by Penzien-Steele FH-Bay City

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