Cherrie L. Nichols

Cherrie Lynette (Tobias) (Carl) Nichols, age 68, of Battle Creek, Michigan died January 13, 2021 from complications of cancer.

Cherrie was born September 6, 1952 and grew up locally and attended Gull Lake and Springfield High Schools. The majority of her career was as a caterer for Kellogg Company.

Those who are familiar with Cherrie know that she is best known for her fantastic dimpled smile, boisterous laugh and speech, and her caring nature which often was shown through her love of food and cooking. Cherrie liked to entertain as much as possible with everyone gathering at her house for a meal and pool party. She liked to garden and swim, as well as enjoy the company of her grandchildren and dogs.

In her lifetime she spent her free time decorating, cleaning house, hunting with her dad, going for walks, playing video games, watching movies and listening to music. Particular favorites were Gone With the Wind, White Christmas, Wizard of Oz, and Pride and Prejudice. Bands like the Eagles, The Beatles, Jackson Five, and singers like Adele, Lionel Ritchie, and Mariah Carey. But mostly, she loved to talk, laugh, visit, share her opinions, and keep up with family and friends. She was known for her kind heart and generous spirit. Cherrie loved all animals, especially dogs. She was a Christian believer and it was often she would share food and her home to help comfort someone. If she had something and you needed it she was quick to lend it, if you needed an extra pair of hands she offered them. She was a hard worker, and a fast walker. She had strong opinions and firm beliefs, especially in family.

She is survived by daughter Christie (Richard) Carl Rinaldo, son Steven Carl, previous husband Jim Carl, grandsons Remington and Raphael Rinaldo, sister Denise Cipcic, brothers Terry Tobias and David (Tonyia) Tobias, pseudo daughters and nieces Michele and Merry Tobias, nieces and nephews Jennifer Barnes, Bethany Pung, Kelley, Jim, Neil and Bret Tobias. Brother and sisters in law Jeff Carl, Jan Smith, and Joni Kallgren and mother in law Anne Gould. Special mention her good friends Kathy Drain, Roz Reed, and Sandy Harper.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kirk Nichols, her mother Helen Tobias, father Arthur Tobias, and brother Michael Tobias.

Friends will be received 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2021 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home, where a service to celebrate Cherrie's life will be officiated by Pastor James L. Sparks 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2021. Interment will follow to Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the service is limited to only 25 people. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/500202463 or you may also view it on Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home Facebook page.

Memorial contributions may be made to one's choice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.