Janet Marie Nickell

Janet Marie (McKellip) Nickell went home to be with the Lord on November 5, 2025. Surrounded by family, she passed away at Cappella Pueblo West Assisted Living in Pueblo, CO at the age of 85.

Janet was born on January 14, 1940 and grew up on the family farm south of Matheson, CO to Melvin “Bill” and Goldie (Reed) McKellip. Her family moved to Simla in 1951 and then to Denver in 1955. Janet was baptized at Beth Eden Baptist in Denver and graduated from Westminster High School in 1958.

Donald and Janet were married on August 15, 1959. Their marriage of 61 years was full of love and brought them four sons: Ricky, Robbi, Gary and Donald “Shane.” Donald and Janet lived in the Town of Simla until they built their home just east of town in 1965. Janet was employed through the years by the Town of Simla, the Ranchland News and the Lasater Ranch, from where she eventually retired. A few years later, she worked at Mountain View Electric and then volunteered and later was employed by the Thrift Store in Simla. In May 2022, Janet moved from Simla to Lincoln Meadows Independent Living in Parker, CO and then to Cappella Pueblo West Assisted Living in September of 2024.

Janet was well-known for her creative talents. She created beautiful paintings, quilts, and scrapbooks. She enjoyed piecing together puzzles, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, and gardening. Janet showed love for others through cooking and baking, and many of her recipes have been passed down through the generations. While raising the four boys, Janet would sew their clothing, even designing matching outfits. She was incredibly bright and resourceful to provide for the needs of her family. During the summers, Janet enjoyed camping, boating, and spending time with those she loved most. One of her favorite hobbies was watching game shows and sports, especially the Denver Nuggets.

In Janet’s adult years, she was a charter member of the Matheson Community Bible Church. She was artistic and took many different painting and ceramics classes. She and Donald enjoyed dancing and playing cards, particularly pinochle, and hosted many card parties in their home.

She is survived by her sons: Ricky Nickell (Sue Grant), Robbi Nickell (Nancy Nickoloff), Gary Nickell, Shane Nickell (Tami Nickell); Two brothers: Bob McKellip and Kenny McKellip; Four sisters: Barbara Highsmith, Sharon Dunlap, Diana Link, and Billye Wuestney; 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Janet is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Nickell; her parents, Bill and Goldie McKellip; granddaughter, Jennifer Nickell; and brother, Jerry McKellip.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Janet’s name to Matheson Community Bible Church, Simla Thrift Store or the Simla Fire Department.

We will miss Janet dearly and will cherish all the memories and life lessons she taught us all. Her love will endure in us forever.

Following immediately after graveside service, a reception will be held at the Simla High School.