Betty Nicol

Betty L. Nicol, 91, of Decatur, died Saturday, December 6, 2014, at McKinley Court. Graveside services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at Boiling Springs Cemetery, Decatur. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Homeward Bound Pet Shelter. Betty was born June 20th, 1923 in Pana, Illinois, the daughter of Merle and Ethel (Burris) Potts. She was the oldest of 5 siblings. While attending High School in Assumption, Illinois Betty met the love of her life, Jim. On her birthday, June 20th, 1940, Betty married James W. Nicol in St. Charles, Missouri. Thus began a wonderful journey for mom as she traveled the United States in support of her husband's softball career. Mom enjoyed being a part of the fastpitch softball community and viewed many of the players as an extension of her own family. She also worked in the office at various Decatur stores including Shopper's World, Goldblatt's, and Sears. Mom was extraordinary in her love for her family, her love of their home, her resourcefulness and ability to continue to learn new things even into her 90s. Betty is survived by her 4 children, James M. (Judy) Nicol of Newhall, CA, Robert E. (Donna) Nicol of Argenta, Jody (Michael) Butler of Decatur, and Scott (Jill) Nicol of Decatur; grandchildren, Reid Nicol, Holly Nicol, Travis Nicol, Kelly Nicol, Tyler Nicol, Andrew Nicol, Heather Strocher, Lara Conaway, James Butler, Brooke Hyden, Sarah Anderson, Nathanael Nicol, Joy Cuttil, and Mary Nicol; 15 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren; her youngest sibling, Carolyn Barlow of Pana, IL. Betty was preceded in death by her husband Jim Nicol, granddaughter Emily Nicol, brothers Richard Potts and William Potts, and her sister Mary (Potts) Barnes. "
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