Betty Ann Nickelson, 86, of Fletcher died March 8, 2026, at de Greeff Hospice House in St. Louis County. In her younger years, Mrs. Nickelson hosted her own radio show and loved singing country and gospel music. She loved spending time with her family, especially watching her children and grandchildren grow. She enjoyed the years spent on the family farm, working side-by-side with her husband and helping care for the land and home they built together. A homemaker and wonderful cook, she welcomed others to her home with warmth and care. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City and a follower of Jimmy Swaggert’s Media Church, which she watched every Sunday. She also looked forward to watching the Presleys’ Country Jubilee on RFD-TV each week. She also was a member of “The Flower Patch Peeps.” When she was feeling well, she loved taking trips to Branson with her best friend, Rita Rueschhoff. She will be remembered for her faith, hard work, kindness and love. Born Dec. 31, 1939, in Old Mines, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Suzie (Valle) Bourisaw.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years: Lloyd “Blozie” Nickelson.
She is survived by six children: Darrell Nickelson, Dennis (Tammy) Nickelson, Debbie (Bob) Johnson, Sandi (Kerry) Thompson, Robbie (Brenda) Nickelson and Michael (Dave Nickelson-Rueschhoff) Nickelson; 21 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
She is also preceded in death by a son: Randy Nickelson; a brother: Victor Bourisaw; a sister: Jean Merseal; her mother-in-law: Mae Ellen Nickelson; a grandson; a great-grandson; and a great-granddaughter.
Visitation is scheduled from 3:30-8 p.m. Friday, March 13, at First United Methodist Church of Festus/Crystal City, 113 Grand Ave., in Festus. Visitation will resume from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 14, at the church. Burial will be in Horine Cemetery in Richwoods. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.