Florence Nichols

Florence Cecelia Rodman Nichols Florence Cecelia Rodman Nichols, age 89, died peacefully on October 13, 2007, after a long illness. Florence was born September 8, 1918, in Vinita to Arthur Edward and Blanche Florence Oborn Rodman. Florence's mother's parents, John Sanford Oborn and Eleanor Cecelia (Tubbs) Oborn were early pioneers having established their homes in Indian Territory prior to statehood. Florence's father came to Vinita in 1909 from Pierce City, Missouri. After graduating in 1935 from Vinita High School, Florence (or Flip) married her high school sweetheart Howard Morrison (Buddy) Nichols on November 28 1935. Her true calling was as a wife, mother, and grandmother, but she spent a number of years working in the family Coca Cola business during the Second World War and again during the 1970's when the business expanded to a new facility. A third-generation member of the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita, Florence was active in various church women's groups. She loved to travel and took many memorable trips with friends, family, and with Coca Cola business associates. She loved to read, work crossword puzzles, and play bridge. Her favorite bridge group, the Dum Belles Club, was organized in the early 1930's and continues to this day. She will be remembered for her light-hearted good humor and for her devotion to family and fiends. Florence was preceded in death by her loving husband, Howard, in 1991 after 56 years of marriage. A brother, William Arthur Rodman, also preceded her in death in 1985. She is survived by her children, Janet Stuart and her husband John of Tulsa, Karen Hoss whose husband Dr. Fred Hoss died in 2005 of El Cajon, California and Sue Ratcliff and husband Jim of Vinita. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Kim Wilson and husband Kent of La Mesa, California, Susan Bott and husband Brian of San Jose, California, Sally Ratcliff of Tulsa, and Jimmy Ratcliff and wife Gaylene of Vinita. Two step-grandchildren survive, John Stuart and wife Pam of Dallas, Texas and Mark Stuart of Tulsa. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren, Dakota and Dillan Bott and Olivia and Nate Ratcliff, and three nieces, Willa Rodman Barnes of Sand Springs, Celia Rodman Gerfers of Tulsa, and Gina Rodman Manders of Miami. All of whom were blessed by her presence in their lives. During her last years, Florence received immeasurable love and support from her friends, from St. Francis Hospice in Vinita, from Vinita Home Health, from her doctors and staff at Craig General Hospital, and from her many caregivers. The family is especially grateful for the loving care provided by the staff and volunteers from these agencies. Services will be held on Thursday, October 18th, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church in Vinita with burial at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home. Reverend Richard W. Evans will officiate. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts many be made to the Pilgrim Presbyterian Church, the Vinita Public Library, or to the Vinita Educational Foundation.

Service Details

Thursday, October 18th, 2007 11:00am, Pilgrim Presbyterian Church

Interment Details