Audra Marie (Hatch) Nickerson

Audra M. Nickerson, 94, of Battle Creek died Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Maplewood of Marshall.

She was born October 28, 1926 in Marshall, Michigan to Blaine W. and Mabel Adah (Borradaile) Hatch. She grew up in Marshall and graduated from Marshall High School and in 1948 from Michigan State College (now University). Audra was employed at the Power Shop in Marshall 1943-44; and in the 1950's was a radio continuity writer at WBCK Radio in Battle Creek.

Audra married Dr. Ralph Dale Nickerson, O.D. on January 6, 1951 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Marshall. Their daughter, Deborah K. Nickerson was born in 1954. Audra was preceded in death by her husband, daughter, parents and a brother, Gerald B. Hatch. Surviving are cousin(s), Bill (Norma) Church and Margaret "Tweed" Osborne all of Marshall.

Audra was a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church. She was an ordained deacon, a Benedictine Oblate (St. Gregory's Abbey in Three Rivers, MI) and served St. Thomas Episcopal Church for 10 years as a deacon. She was a charter member of Marshall Civic Players and was a member of the Battle Creek Civic Theatre and the Battle Creek Art Center. She volunteered at the Battle Creek Child Guidance & Adult Clinic. She was an actress, singer, dancer, artist and photographer. Both Audra and Ralph traveled extensively to Europe and also made pilgrimages to Bethlehem, Israel, Spain, and England. Audra and Ralph loved spending time at their Lake Michigan cottage.

A memorial service for Audra will be officiated by Reverend Brian Coleman at St. Thomas Episcopal Church 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Inurnment will follow at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 16 E. Van Buren St., Battle Creek, MI 49017, St. Gregory's Abbey, 56500 Abbey Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093 or Hospice Care of SW Michigan, 7100 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages and memories may be shared here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.