Elna “Kaye” Nichols

Elna KAYE Nichols passed away peacefully January 17, 2026. She was released from her earthly ailment of dementia to be with The Lord above. She was 83.

She was born on December 12, 1942, in Sioux Falls, SD, while her parents, Kenneth & Nadine Brewington, were stationed there. After the war they returned to Kentucky to farm. In 1958 they moved to Mesa, AZ, and started up in the construction business.

Kaye met Nicky Nichols at a Methodist Church function in December 1958. They were married June 10, 1959. They had 2 sons, Glenn & Kenny Nichols.

Kaye approached Sally of Sally’s Fabrics while in high school asking if she could do some work for her, as she needed some fabric for a 4-H project. Sally offered her the fabric as long as they got the dress to put on display after it was complete. This was the start of Kaye sewing for the public. Kaye was very determined which led to her working on her sewing machine when needed. She later went to work for Sally’s as their sewing machine technician. Kaye became very well-known across the country for her sales and service of sewing machines in a male dominated industry. She had a passion for everything related— making clothes, quilts, crafts, teaching sewing, and so on.

Kaye would do whatever needed to be done. She farmed, drove tractors, built barns, nailed on tin, milked cows, did gardening, canned, changed oil in the cars, changed tires, and everything else a guy might do—and then she would cook meals and clean house top to bottom—all while remembering she was a lady. She took care of herself. Her fingernails and her hair was always done, whether she was waitressing at the Dairy Bar, doing maid service, taking care of horses, sewing, or all in between.

Being at the rodeos with Nicky she started timing and then became rodeo secretary. Kaye enjoyed the rodeos and roping events. She was Arizona Rodeo Association secretary for several years. She enjoyed being mom to the rodeo guys. She always had a crew around for breakfast. Mom made lots of pancakes!

But even more, she was mom to her grandson, AT, and Nana to her great granddaughters Alex & Acacia. She raised and took care of several generations.

Kaye joined her parents in heaven, her brother, Kenneth Earl Brewington, and son, Glenn Nichols. She is survived by her son, Kenny Nichols, of Waco, TX; grandson, AT Nichols; granddaughters, Alex (Jake) Weir and Acacia Nichols; and former husband, Nicky Nichols all of Gilbert, AZ; and her sister, Sylvia (Tom) Richards; and brothers, Larry (Vicky) Brewington and Gene Brewington, all of Mesa, AZ.

Kaye loved getting together with family and friends for food, fun, cards, games and music. No one ever needed an invitation or to call ahead to stop by. When at Kaye’s make yourself at home. During holidays mom made sure everyone knew they were welcome to come and eat. Her and her mom always had extra gifts on hand for Christmas time for the people mom invited last minute if she heard a family didn’t have anywhere to spend Christmas.

In Lieu of flowers take someone living by themselves out to eat or buy a stranger’s meal. Or take a page from Kaye’s playbook and pay someone’s water bill, electric bill or similar necessity for someone experiencing a hard time.

Viewing will take place on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 4-6pm at Bunker’s Garden Chapel, 33 N Centennial Way, Mesa, AZ. A Graveside Service will be held at 10am on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Mesa City Cemetery, 1212 N Center Street, Mesa, Arizona.

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.