Connie Nicholas, 77, of Spearfish, SD gained her Heavenly Angel Wings on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Connie was born in Deadwood, SD to Robert and Mary Lou Larive.  Her family lived in several different communities around the Black Hills.  They settled near Spearfish.  She graduated grom Spearfish High School where she met the love of her life, Glen Nicholas. Glen and Connie met at Spearfish Park Pavillion at a dance. He danced with her for the first time. After that, Glen and Connie went together for four years. They were married in May of 1968.

Rebecca Jo, born in December 1968, and Nicolle Marie, born May 1973, were the light of Connie's life.  These beautiful girls brought so much joy to Connie.  She was an excellent mother.  She was generous and extremely loving.  She put her family's needs above her own. During this time, Connie also helped Glen work the ranch.  She also worked numerous other jobs to help support her family.  She was an avid gardener who had an eye for beautiful flowers. She canned a lot of the foods she grew.  She was a very resourceful person.

Connie was good at many things, but she was the best at being a grandma.  She had four grandchildren, Meghan, Matthew, Emily and Chanley.  From the moment they were born, she spoiled them with her love. She was never too busy for her grandkids.  She made sure to foster a beautiful relationship between the four of them and nicknamed them "The Dream Team."  She knew the importance of time together, whether it was a silly game of living room dodgeball or an ice cream bonding trip to Dairy Queen. She loved her grandkids so much she willingly held frequent sleepovers at her house. These usually included a fun game of hide-and-seek and late-night giggling. The kids would sprawl out on the floor and wake up to the smell of yummy cinnamon rolls and coffee.  Grandma always got up early to sit in her chair, drink her coffee, and to "soak up the moments." When Connie's doctor discovered her medical issues, her grandkids knew it was the perfect time for an adult sleepover at Grandma's house!   They brought the snacks and snuck into Connie's house.  She was pleasantly surprised (after all the screaming). The five of them (and Grandpa) spent the night laughing and reminiscing.  These memories are cherished.  Connie was simply the best grandma.

Her love expanded to those who married into the family as well. She welcomed all her children's and grandchildren's spouses: Monty, Carl, Jansen, Tyler, Ramie, and Krista can attest to this.  Each of them felt Connie's love.

It's hard to imagine that Connie had any more love to give, but her great grandchildren bought a sparkle to her eye.  She was blessed with eight great grandchildren.  Scarlett, Onyx, Emerald, Wren, Arthur, and Carty made Connie smile ear to ear.  She was so excited to hear that there were two beautiful new babies on the way.  She would have loved snuggling them.

Connie enjoyed being involved in many community organizations.  She was a 4-H leader for Becky and Nicolle's club. Later in life, she helped her grandkids create their 4-H projects.   She was also a member of the Crow Peak Extension club.  Glen and Connie were members of Buckles and Bows: a square-dancing group.  Connie loved being apart of her "diet club" where she enjoyed getting together with her friends.  Connie was a beloved member of the Spearfish community.

Connie had many hobbies. She showed her love in lots of ways. Her crafts brought joy to the front doors, walls, and Christmas trees of her loved ones. Glen and Connie had a yearly tradition of creating Christmas ornaments for their family members.   She also enjoyed baking.  She was famous for her cinnamon rolls, mac salad, chocolate cake, pies, chocolate chip cookies, and lasagna.  Her hands and creative heart gifted her family many memories.

Connie is survived by her husband, Glen of Spearfish; her daughters, Rebecca Pedersen (Monty) and Nicolle Nicholas (Carl); grandchildren, Meghan Louder (Tyler), Matthew Pedersen (Ramie), Emily Culver (Jansen), and Chanley Decook (Krista); great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Onyx, and Emerald Louder; Wren and Arthur Culver; and Carty Pedersen. Connie is also survived by her mother, Mary Lou; her brothers, Gary and Larry; sisters, Carolyn and Mary Beth, as well as her numerous nieces and nephews. Connie was preceded in death by her father, brother, and sister.

Connie's service will be held at the United Methodist Church on Wednesday May 21st at 1:30 pm.  There will be a luncheon to follow.

Excerpts of love from family members:

Grammy was always exceptionally present to everyone she encountered. It was never the food or gifts she gave that drew people to her, but rather the gift of being seen, known, and loved by her which made being in her presence feel like home. We should all take note and love the people in front of us well just as she did.

-Chanley

It is impossible to put into words the definition of Grandma Connie.  She was the kindest, sweetest, funniest, most loving, most ornery person the world has ever known. Her passion for crafts and creativity are unmatched.  She worked every day of her life, not just at work, but she worked to make sure everyone was fed and happy. She was tougher than anyone. She will be missed by many. Her legacy and her spirit will live on in all the people that knew and loved her.

-Matthew

I have so many memories of my mom. It's hard to pick just one to talk about. I loved taking four-wheeler rides with her.  We spent a lot of time camping together. Every year, we would take a ride to Cook Lake.  We would have a little picnic and just have a wonderful time. We always would say how we needed to camp there sometime.

She was not only my mother, but she was also my best friend. No matter what was going on in her life, she was more concerned about what was happening with you. She thought about your problems over any of her own. She loved with all her heart and soul. My mom was the most caring person you would ever meet.

-Nicolle

Grammy wasn't just our grandma, she was our source of unconditional love, and the heart of our family. Her love was a constant force that shaped us all into who we are today.  She had an extraordinary way of making us all feel special and understood.  She taught me what the most valuable things in life are, through her actions.  She showed us the power of kindness, importance of family, and strength found in love.  Nothing will ever be the same without My Favorite Lady.  We will miss her crafting, snacks, love, humor, and so much more.  We will cherish the memories we made with her forever.

-Emily

Grandma Connie was the type of person that could make you feel important and special every time you were around her. As someone who married into the family, she welcomed me with open arms and made me feel as if I had been family for longer. Just watching how she interacted with each person she encountered; you could just see the care she had for that person.  She was so engaged and caring when speaking or interacting with them.  She always laughed at every joke I ever told, but she was the one truly bringing joy to everyone else. The way she would greet you was liked seeing a long lost loved one, it was always a happy, "Hi Ty!" Watching how great she was with my children, always making all 3 of them know she loved and cared about them, always putting in effort to make them feel included and heard made my heart fill up.

There was never a dull moment with Connie around.  She brought joy, love, and laughter that would make your face hurt by the end.  The way Connie was able to bring so much light to everyone is the type of thing you can only see in movies, she was one-of-a-kind. She was the definition of family love and joy.  I will keep every memory close to my heart and try to be as great as she saw me.

She will be greatly missed, however her legacy will carry on, and I look forward to the next time I see her and hear her say, "Well Hi TY!" one more time when I open the door.

-Tyler

Connie held many titles.  To me she was a grandmother, but not just that.  She was a force of nature, wrapped in yarn and laughter, always with a snack and drink to offer and toys for the little ones. She had a way of making everyone feel special, starting with the nicknames she handed out like little badges of honor.  I was Ramie Sue. Matt was Pedie Gonzalez. Meghan Arthur. And of course, many more.  It didn't matter what your real name was-once Connie named you, it stuck.

Her macaroni salad was legendary-no picnic or family gathering was complete without it. And her chocolate chip chips? Still undefeated. Somehow, she found time between baking and crafting masterpieces to remember every single birthday. You could count on a phone call early in the morning, and as soon as you said, "hello," she'd be singing, never missing a beat.

Connie was the queen of crafting. We will cherish the ornaments she made every year, as well as the numerous other handmade Connie originals-you name it, she made it and made it beautifully.  Her hands created things that warmed our homes, but more importantly, warmed our hearts.  She gave her love through, stitches and sprinkles, songs, and saying. And when it was time to say goodbye-well, it never really was. It was always, "See you soon baboon," with the mischievous little grin.

We'll miss her stories, her humor, and her fierce love. But more than anything, we'll miss the light she brought into every room. Still, we know she's somewhere now, probably organizing heaven's cookie tins.

I can't wait to share some German chocolate cake with you again. We love you so much.

See you soon, baboon.

--Ramie

This is how I will choose to remember my grandma:

With her giant smile.  Her contagious laugh and sense of humor.  A heart full of love that you felt miles away. Her thoughtfulness that could bring anyone out of sadness.  Ears that listened (really well).  A relatability that gave hope in times of despair.  Knowledge to reassure you.  Her warm greeting hugs and her never ending goodbyes. Her creative mind and graceful hands.  A teacher of all things good.  A nerds queen and competitive spoons player.  The person who held my hand when I was scared.  The one who knew how to make anything fun. She could cure you with food and knew all your favorites.  This lady was truly one in a million and I'm so glad I was chosen to be her granddaughter.

-Meghan

To my mom:

There aren't enough words to express how much I loved her. She always loved me and guided me. She helped me through some of my darkest days and never judged me.  She always made sure we were safe and taken care of. Her heart was so full of love for everyone, and her laughter made everything better.  She cared deeply for her family, and they were her life and happiness. She knew how to have fun. Her hugs were always so comforting, and they were the best.

Growing up, when I would have friends come stay the night. She would always make something fun for breakfast; gingerbread man pancakes or something with a face on it.  She made all my friends feel welcomed. We would have dance parties, and she would always join in.

She was my biggest supporter. From band and choir concerts to basketball games to watch me cheer or dance, to chasing me around as I ran or biked in races. No event was too small for her to attend and cheer.  Even as an adult, having a celebration for our last day of bootcamp. Celebrating with her famous cinnamon rolls and bacon. She even made signs and banners.

I wish I had spent more time learning from her in the kitchen. She was the best cook. I will miss all the delicious meals she made. No matter what event we had, she made something special to bring. It was always so good. I miss her more than words can say.  Her unconditional love, her contagious laugh, and her sweet presence are forever etched in my heart.

Mom, I hope you're at peace watching over us as we carry your memory. I love you endlessly and I'll always hold you close to my heart.

-Rebecca

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish.