Rebecca Sue Nichols, age 54, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, surrounded by those who meant the most to her. She was born on December 31, 1971, and grew up in Corydon, Iowa, before later making Knoxville, Iowa, her home.

In 1994, Rebecca married the love of her life, Chris Nichols. Together, they built a family filled with love, laughter, and countless memories.

Rebecca was the daughter of Marge Allen and stepfather Glen Allen. She is survived by her husband, Chris; her children, Blake Wyatt; Bailey Nichols (Jared); Shaye Vaske (Tyler); and Kieren Nichols (Abbey); and her grandchildren, Levani, Grady and Mavery Stephens, and Lincoln Vaske. She is also survived by her brother, Jason Reger (Laura); stepbrother Glen Wayne Allen; and stepsister Tiffany Allen (Scott), along with many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Rebecca graduated from Wayne Community Schools before earning her criminal justice degree from Kirkwood Community College. She later graduated from Mercy College as a registered nurse. Rebecca dedicated 32 years of her life to nursing a career that perfectly reflected who she was.

Rebecca’s warmth, kindness, humor, and genuine love for people made her unforgettable. She was, without a doubt, one of the most selfless and caring people anyone could have ever known. She also had a special talent, she was an amazing cook, and her food was made with the same love she gave to everything else in her life. For her family and friends, the meals she made will always be more than food—they will be memories of home, comfort, laughter, and being loved.

Rebecca’s greatest joy was her family. She cherished her children and grandchildren and took immense pride in the people they are today, her love for them was unconditional. She simply gave, loved, cooked, laughed, listened, and showed up.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, former patients, clients, and coworkers. Though her time with us was far too short, Rebecca’s love will continue to live on.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her grandparents, Wayne and Helen Shipley; her mother- and father-in-law, Patricia and Leonard Nichols; her sister-in-law, Marcia Nichols; her stepbrother, Nathan Allen; and her niece, Brianna Reger.

Memorials may be made to the Rebecca S. Nichols Healthcare Scholarship Fund.