Evelyn Loretta "Rita" Way Nichols

Evelyn Loretta "Rita" Way Nichols, 86, passed away May 23, 2012. Born in Carlisle on February 17, 1926, she was raised in Hazen and spent most of her adult life in Stuttgart. Known as an extremely hard worker she was office manager and co-owner for Lion Oil Company in Stuttgart, followed by Clarendon Oil Company in Clarendon. She spent her later years with Harold Ives Trucking Company as a driver liaison before retirement. Rita was known for her generous heart. She spent much of her life as a caregiver for her husband, Philip Eldean Way, before his passing in 1961 after an extended illness. She married John L. Nichols of Stuttgart in 1968 and provided extended care for him prior to his death in 2008. Rita was very good with her hands. She thoroughly enjoyed sewing, quilting, ceramics and was amazing with crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Her parents, James Cecil and Ovia Lafaye Patty; and her sister, Jean Garrett, also preceded her in death. Survivors include one daughter, Joyce Dempsey (Jerry) of Stuttgart; two sons, Ed Way (Dianna) of Jonesboro and John D. Nichols (Rae-Lene Wolf) of Little Rock. She has three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Graveside services, officiated by Dr. Sam Roberts, are 1 p.m. Saturday, May 26, at Lone Tree Cemetery chapel followed by a reception at First Baptist Church, 2115 S. Prairie St., Stuttgart, Arkansas 72160. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Alzheimer's Arkansas, 201 Markham Center Dr., Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, or First Baptist Church, Stuttgart. Please go to www.turpin-co.com to sign the online guestbook.