Sharon Sue Nichols

Sharon Sue (Howell) Nichols, passed away on August 28, 2026, at her home in Casper, Wyoming, surrounded by her daughters after a long battle with dementia. She was 83.

Born on June 8, 1943, in Compton, California, Sharon was a woman of determination, warmth, and spirit. She graduated from Compton High School in Compton, CA and later attended college classes in accounting, continuing to build a life marked by hard work and independence. She began her working career as a secretary for Rockwell “Nasa,” went on to serve as a paralegal for numerous attorneys in Casper, and concluded her professional life with the Small Business Administration, retiring in 2016. Among the accomplishments she held with particular pride was paying off her house before retirement, a reflection of the resolve and perseverance that shaped her life.

Sharon embraced life with an adventurous heart. Stubborn but kind, she liked trying new things and brought energy and curiosity into the world around her. She loved cats and horses, found joy in gardening, and delighted in camping and boating. After retirement, summers spent at her cabin at Dinwoody Lake became especially meaningful. She was also fond of hunting and treasured the simple happiness of time outdoors and time with family. One of the memories held close by those who loved her is of water fights at Horseshoe Creek, where laughter flowed as freely as the water.

At the center of Sharon’s life was love. She married the love of her life, Raymond, for 13 years, and never stopped loving him. Her family was the truest measure of her joy. She shared a special bond with her daughter Rochelle, and the two did almost everything together. In later years, she also experienced a renewed closeness with her daughter Shelley, a relationship that brought deep comfort and happiness.

She is survived by her daughters, Shelley (Joe) Smith and Rochelle Nichols, and by the family they cherished together, including their children and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nakita (Heath) Emerson, Dillon Whitlock, and Shayne Rose, and by the growing generations that followed: Piper and “Junior” Heath, Fae and Finley Whitlock, and Maddox Rose. Her family also joyfully carries forward the anticipation of another great-grandchild on the way. Each of them was part of the circle of love Sharon nurtured throughout her life, and each carries memories of her strength, humor, affection, and enduring presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Selwyn and Arla (Burd) Howell, sister, Judy Howell, her best cat, Patches and her favorite horse, Foxy.

Pending services will be held at Casper Community Church, 255 North Wolcott Street in Casper.

Sharon will be remembered for her adventurous nature, her steadfast love for her family, and the lively, loving spirit she brought to every season of her life. Her memory remains a blessing to those who knew her and loved her.

To share a memory of Sharon or leave a special message for the family, please visit the guestbook below.