Nicole Smith, age 64 of Sac City, IA, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020, at Park View Rehabilitation Center in Sac City, IA. Nicole Sue Smith was born on December 30, 1955, to parents Verlyn and Lura (Hull) Smith. She grew up on the farm in Lytton, IA, with her three siblings and attended school in Manson, IA. Nikki was baptized in the Lytton Presbyterian Church where she and her family were members. Their church family was a big part of Nikki’s life; everyone there was very supportive of her.
In 1980, Nikki went to work at the Howard Activity Center in Sac City where she helped in the recycling center. She lived in her family home until June of 1988, and wintered in the south with her parents before moving into a group home operated by HCI . Nikki traveled to many places with her parents over the years. In June of 2000, she moved into a new house that she referred to as “the big house” which gave she and her roomates a more home-like setting. Nikki lived there with three other ladies until her last move to Park View Rehabilitation Center in June of 2019.
Nikki really liked the holidays and looked forward to each coming event. Halloween was her favorite of them all. She loved to be out and about and especially enjoyed events like Lytton Gala Days, parades or just shopping. Her favorite meal to eat was Chinese food along with a Dr. Pepper. She would tell you that her favorite time of the day was coffee time, her favorite color was purple and that she liked country music as long as it wasn’t too loud. Nikki’s favorite memory was going on a trip to Arizona with one of the staff members, Barb. On that trip, her sister picked her up and took her back to California with her. Nicole was a sweet soul and a friend to everybody. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.
Those left to cherish her memory include her siblings: Karen (Don) Larson of Santa Anna, CA, Dianne (Ron) Ruch of Onawa, IA, and Mark Smith of Lytton, IA; nieces and nephews: Derek Larson, David (Donna) Larson, Brent Ruch, Natalie Ruch and Ted (Mandy) Ruch; great-nieces and nephews: Ellie, Jacob and Almen Larson, Ryan, Daniel and Shawn Ruch; many extended family members and friends. Nikki was preceded in death by her parents.
