Lillian Nichols

Lillian Marie (Wakeland) Nichols, 96, of Madisonville, KY, passed away on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at The Home Place Memory Care in Henderson, KY, where she received loving care from St. Anthony's Hospice.

Born on March 26, 1929, in Dawson Springs, KY, Lillian was the cherished daughter of the late Leonard Carl and Jesse Ruth (Inglis) Wakeland. She lived a life marked by faith, devotion, and a deep commitment to her family and community.

Lillian was a devoted member of First Christian Church in Madisonville, where her spirit of service shone brightly through her work with mission groups. Her professional journey included many years as an Administrative Assistant in the Engineering and Safety Department of Island Creek Coal, culminating in a rewarding retirement as the Financial Administrator for First Baptist Church in Madisonville. Lillian's love for her church and her family was evident in all she did, and she was known for her cooking and sewing talents, creating countless memories around the dining table and through handcrafted gifts.

Lillian was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Harrel Nichols, and her daughter, Suzanne Rzepka.

Her enduring legacy will be carried on by her daughter, Kellie Jo (Mark) Fredrick of Hanson, KY; son-in-law, William R. Rzepka of St. Charles, MO; her cherished grandchildren, Trisha Lucero of O'Fallon, MO, Joseph (Sarah) Fredrick of Bowling Green, KY, and Michael (Jessica) Fredrick of Owensboro, KY; in addition to five great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and extended family members Mark and Janet Winstead of Hanson, KY, and Ryan Winstead of Louisville, KY, along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services are scheduled to be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at First Christian Church in Madisonville, with Reverend Kara Foster officiating. Burial will follow in Oddfellows Cemetery, Madisonville, as friends and family gather to pay their final respects.

Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM until the service at the church, offering an opportunity for loved ones to share memories and support one another. The pallbearers will include Mark Fredrick, Joseph Fredrick, Michael Fredrick, Sarah Fredrick, Mark Winstead, and Ryan Winstead, with Tom Wagner serving as an honorary pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church, located at 1030 College Dr., Madisonville, KY 42431.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to The Paragon for enriching Lillian's life, as well as the exceptional staff at The Home Place Memory Care and St. Anthony's Hospice for the love and care they provided in her final days. Lillian's legacy of faith, family, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her.