Nicholas

Shirley M. Nicholas, of The Villages, Fla., passed away Jan. 17, 2023, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

She was born on Feb. 7, 1936, in Mattoon, Ill., to Howard B. and Francis Martin, and was raised in Butler.

She graduated with honors from Butler High School in 1953, then migrated to Florida in 1961. She earned her A.A. degree and then her B.S. in computer science while raising four children.

She was employed by a civil engineering firm that acted as the city engineers for several Florida cities. She had a natural talent as an artist, which started early in junior high school and continued through her life until she could no longer paint.

As a widow, she reconnected with her high school sweetheart, Peter J. Nicholas, and they were married on Jan. 18, 2020.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard B. and Francis Martin, and Kara Kinney and Shannon Chadwell.

She is survived by her husband, Peter J. Nicholas; her son, Jim Wheeler (Karen); her daughter, Amy Chadwell (John); her daughter, Laurie Kinney (Greg); her son, Doug Wheeler (Lauric); her grandchildren, Amanda Spor (Chase), CJ Wheeler (Brittany), Johnie Chadwell, Clay Kinney, Kelci Kinney (Tyler), RJ Norden and Dylan Wheeler; and her great-grandchildren, Calvin Spor, Roslyn Kinney and Fallon Wheeler.

NICHOLAS — The celebration of life for Shirley M. Nicholas, who died Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, is planned for noon Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023, at New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Drive, The Villages, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to New Covenant United Methodist Church.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.