Patricia May (O’Toole) Nichol of Utica, KS passed away 12 days before her 91st birthday on September 12, 2020, at Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, KS.
Patricia was born on September 24, 1929, to Albert O’Toole and Bessie (Larrabee) O’Toole at St. Anthony Hospital in Hays, KS. An only child, she grew up on the family farm in Southern Trego County and graduated from WaKeeney / Trego Community High School in 1947. From there, life took Patricia to Fort Hays Kansas State College where she was the second of four generations to earn a degree from there. While there, she was a member of the Tri-Sigma Sorority, was the Panhellenic Council President, and was chosen the 1951 Reveille Yearbook Queen by Bing Crosby. In addition to earning her Bachelor of Science in Education, she met a tall, handsome gentleman from Palco, KS. It was said that many young Fort Hays gentlemen had hopes of winning Patricia’s heart, but when Donald Lee Nichol came into the room, everyone knew that they no longer had a shot, because she only had eyes for him.
After graduation, Donald left for Korea and Patricia began her teaching career at Osborne High School. A student from that time recalls, that while standing on the stage as a new teacher, Miss O’Toole’s introduction to students drew whistles from the high school boys.
After teaching in Osborne for a year, Patricia moved to Ness City where she taught and was later joined by her future husband, Donald.
On June 5, 1954, Donald and Patricia were married at the WaKeeney Presbyterian Church. In 1960, Albert Lee was born and Lynette Ann followed in 1964.
Together they made their home, living on the same family farm in which Patricia had grown-up, living near her parents and her uncles’ families. They experienced ups and downs as all couples do, but Patricia continued her career, teaching English, directing plays, and acting as a librarian. She will be long remembered for making her students brownies and the many other ways she went above and beyond for her students. In addition to being a full-time teacher and mom, Patricia was also a pillar of the communities that she loved.
She was a faithful member of the Arnold United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association. She loved to research her family genealogy and especially enjoyed the annual summer gathering when everyone came together to enjoy ice cream and share new information. She made two trips to Ireland, one of which she met her cousins and visited the original O’Toole family farm. She was an avid sports fan and especially loved Fort Hays State football and basketball, Kansas State football, Kansas basketball, the Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Patricia’s pride and joy were her entire family, but especially her children and grandchildren.
Patricia is survived by a son, Albert Lee Nichol and his wife Caroline. Their children: Jeremiah, Jessica, Jacob, Caleb, Joshua, and Hannah.
A daughter, Lynette and her children, Madeline and AnnaBelle and many other cousins, in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Donald.
Celebrating a Life Well Lived, Patricia’s service will be held, Saturday, September 19, 2020, at the Ransom / Western Plains High School gymnasium in Ransom, KS at 10:00 a.m. Services will be livestreamed online on Fitzgerald Funeral Home Facebook page. Viewing will be on Friday, September 18, 2020, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Those attending are asked to respect masking and social distancing guidelines. Burial will follow at the WaKeeney City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to Arnold United Methodist Church or the Western Plains School District.
Memories and words of support may be left for the family by signing the guestbook page.