Deborah J. Nichols

Deborah J. Nichols, 72, of Dolgeville, NY, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and aunt passed away on Monday, January 6, 2025 in the comfort of her home away from home in Sunbury, OH with loving family members by her side.

Debbie was born on August 6, 1952 in Little Falls, NY, the daughter of the late Ralph G. and Catherine R. (Moshier) Houser. She was a graduate of Dolgeville High School, Class of 1970. Mrs. Nichols was proud to be employed in public safety, for over 20 years as a Herkimer County Sheriff and then, prior to her retirement in August of 2014, as a New York State Court Officer within the NYS Unified Court System. Prior to her public safety career, Debbie was employed for several years by the former Daniel Green Co., Dolgeville.

She was an engaged member of both the Salisbury Ladies Auxiliary and the Southern Adirondack Fire Prevention Team; working alongside, and in support of, her husband and his fellow-firefighters and her community. She loved volunteering, whether it be at the firehouse or teaching kids the importance of fire safety at school and in the home. One of Deb’s favorite events, the fire department’s annual fish fry season, always found her at the entrance table, ready to welcome everyone who came to get a great meal.

Debbie loved to cook and bake, especially with her grandchildren and anyone else that wanted to be in the kitchen with her. Her labor of love was planning and preparing for the themed festivities of the annual Houser Family Reunion; she absolutely loved that time with all of her cousins, the “in-laws” and the “out-laws” (the phrase her husband coined for the “non-Housers” who married into the family). Spending time with family and friends in the backyard was always a joy for her, whether it was summertime cookouts amongst her beautiful gardens or wintertime sledding, Debbie invited everyone in with an open kitchen and an open heart.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Richard “Dick” Nichols. Sons, Jason (Darlene) Nichols of Ballston Spa, NY and Scott (Dustina) Nichols of Sunbury, OH, her grandchildren Jakob, Mars, Audrey and Katherine. Several in-laws (and outlaws), nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to list as her love of family always brought a smile to her face.  She is the sister of the late Ronnie Houser and his daughters, Stacey (Damien) Carpenter, Kelly (Scott) Bobar and their children.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Miller-Plonka Funeral Home, 30 Wolf Street, Dolgeville, New York 13329 and a funeral service will be held immediately after at 3 p.m., also at the funeral home, with Pastor Mark Hediger officiating. A spring graveside service will be held Friday, April 11, 2025 at 1 p.m. at the Salisbury Rural Cemetery. All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life Reception at the Salisbury Volunteer Fire Department, after the funeral service in honor of Debbie.

It is the wish of the family that contributions in memory of Mrs. Nichols be considered to the Salisbury Ladies Auxiliary, P.O. 65, Salisbury, New York 13454.

To leave a message of sympathy for the Nichols’ family, please visit www.millerplonkafuneralhome.com and sign the tribute wall or leave a photo or memory for her online memory book.

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