Mary M. Nichols of Helena, MT passed away, surrounded by her children on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. She was 95 years old.

Born Mary Margaret Runkel in La Crosse WI, Mary grew up in Arcadia, WI with her 5 siblings (JoAnne, Richard, Bill, Mark, and Margaret). After graduating from high school, she moved to Rochester, MN and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital before meeting her husband, Jerry Nichols, on a blind date. While raising their 7 children, her and Jerry settled in Townsend, MT. She worked with Jerry as an office manager/owner of Tri-County Mechanical for 20 years. After Mary retired, she enjoyed volunteering to help children read in the grade schools. Mary and Jerry retired in Helena, MT and Sun City West, AZ as snowbirds. They were married for 66 years before he passed away in 2017.

Mary is survived by her children: Dan (Colleen) Nichols, Lynn (Gene) Nelson, Susan (Jerry) Anderson, Pat (Doug) Stewart, Julie (Brad) Sanders, and Tom Nichols. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Her son Mike Nichols, husband Jerry, and her grandson Nathan Nichols, preceded her in death.

A special mention to the “Golden Girls,” Grace Gilmore and Betty Holzwarth, who were her constant companions. Also ‘thank you’ to Touchmark where Mary built a special bond with many caregivers and residents over the past 5 years.

Mary will be laid to rest with Jerry at Fort Harrison later this summer.