Connie Nicholas, 77, of Spearfish, SD gained her Heavenly Angel Wings on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Connie was born in Deadwood, SD to Robert and Mary Lou Larive. Her family lived in several different communities around the Black Hills. They settled near Spearfish. She graduated grom Spearfish High School where she met the love of her life, Glen Nicholas. Glen and Connie met at Spearfish Park Pavillion at a dance. He danced with her for the first time. After that, Glen and Connie went together for four years. They were married in May of 1968.
Rebecca Jo, born in December 1968, and Nicolle Marie, born May 1973, were the light of Connie’s life. These beautiful girls brought so much joy to Connie. She was an excellent mother. She was generous and extremely loving. She put her family’s needs above her own. During this time, Connie also helped Glen work the ranch. She also worked numerous other jobs to help support her family. She was an avid gardener who had an eye for beautiful flowers. She canned a lot of the foods she grew. She was a very resourceful person.
Connie was good at many things, but she was the best at being a grandma. She had four grandchildren, Meghan, Matthew, Emily and Chanley. From the moment they were born, she spoiled them with her love. She was never too busy for her grandkids. She made sure to foster a beautiful relationship between the four of them and nicknamed them “The Dream Team.” She knew the importance of time together, whether it was a silly game of living room dodgeball or an ice cream bonding trip to Dairy Queen. She loved her grandkids so much she willingly held frequent sleepovers at her house. These usually included a fun game of hide-and-seek and late-night giggling. The kids would sprawl out on the floor and wake up to the smell of yummy cinnamon rolls and coffee. Grandma always got up early to sit in her chair, drink her coffee, and to “soak up the moments.” When Connie’s doctor discovered her medical issues, her grandkids knew it was the perfect time for an adult sleepover at Grandma’s house! They brought the snacks and snuck into Connie’s house. She was pleasantly surprised (after all the screaming). The five of them (and Grandpa) spent the night laughing and reminiscing. These memories are cherished. Connie was simply the best grandma.
Her love expanded to those who married into the family as well. She welcomed all her children’s and grandchildren’s spouses: Monty, Carl, Jansen, Tyler, Ramie, and Krista can attest to this. Each of them felt Connie’s love.
It’s hard to imagine that Connie had any more love to give, but her great grandchildren bought a sparkle to her eye. She was blessed with eight great grandchildren. Scarlett, Onyx, Emerald, Wren, Arthur, and Carty made Connie smile ear to ear. She was so excited to hear that there were two beautiful new babies on the way. She would have loved snuggling them.
Connie enjoyed being involved in many community organizations. She was a 4-H leader for Becky and Nicolle’s club. Later in life, she helped her grandkids create their 4-H projects. She was also a member of the Crow Peak Extension club. Glen and Connie were members of Buckles and Bows: a square-dancing group. Connie loved being apart of her “diet club” where she enjoyed getting together with her friends. Connie was a beloved member of the Spearfish community.
Connie had many hobbies. She showed her love in lots of ways. Her crafts brought joy to the front doors, walls, and Christmas trees of her loved ones. Glen and Connie had a yearly tradition of creating Christmas ornaments for their family members. She also enjoyed baking. She was famous for her cinnamon rolls, mac salad, chocolate cake, pies, chocolate chip cookies, and lasagna. Her hands and creative heart gifted her family many memories.
Connie is survived by her husband, Glen of Spearfish; her daughters, Rebecca Pedersen (Monty) and Nicolle Nicholas (Carl); grandchildren, Meghan Louder (Tyler), Matthew Pedersen (Ramie), Emily Culver (Jansen), and Chanley Decook (Krista); great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Onyx, and Emerald Louder; Wren and Arthur Culver; and Carty Pedersen. Connie is also survived by her mother, Mary Lou; her brothers, Gary and Larry; sisters, Carolyn and Mary Beth, as well as her numerous nieces and nephews. Connie was preceded in death by her father, brother, and sister.
Connie’s service will be held at the United Methodist Church on Wednesday May 21st at 1:30 pm. There will be a luncheon to follow.
