Eileen Helen Reichert Nichols, 89, passed away peacefully at her home in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, surrounded by her family on Sunday, November 16, 2025.

Eileen was born September 5, 1936, in Dupree, South Dakota, to Ephriam and Minnie Reichert. She was raised in Isabel and graduated from Isabel High School in 1956. As a girl, Eileen was a proud tomboy who spent most of her time outdoors with her dad. She loved horses, helped organize the local saddle club, trained horses, and enjoyed barrel racing.

After high school, Eileen attended South Dakota State University before transferring to Black Hills State Teacher's College. She taught school for seven years, both in a country school and later in Faith.

On June 11, 1966, Eileen married the love of her life, Donald Nichols. Together they raised their family and built a life filled with devotion, community, and service. Over the years, Eileen was a substitute teacher in the Spearfish School District, served as an EMT with the Spearfish Ambulance Service, drove school bus, and later drove for Prairie Hills Transit.

Eileen had a strong work ethic and a joyful spirit. She bowled in several leagues, tended to her gardens with care, and took special pride in watering the flowers along Spearfish's Main Street. In 1989, she fulfilled a memorable dream by riding in the Centennial Wagon Train.

For nearly 60 years, Eileen was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where she faithfully served on the altar guild, contributed to the quilting circle, and helped manage the kitchen. Her dedication to her church family reflected the kindness and generosity she showed throughout her life.

Eileen is survived by her husband of 59 years, Donald Nichols; and their six children: Roberta Nichols of Aberdeen; Joel Nichols (Sharon) of Sturgis; Nancy Nieman of Sioux Falls; Pamela Nichols of Castle Rock, CO; Donnie Nichols of Haigler, NE; and Dean Nichols (Zorianna) of Castle Rock, CO. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Travis TerWee, Trista Polley, Alli Williams, Cody Nichols, Jan Nichols, Robert Bugner, Nichole Bugner, Rachael Bugner, Tyler McLaughlin, Cecily Ostlee, Tyler Liebsch, and Krista Lenz; 13 great-grandchildren; her sister, Esther Afdahl (Larry) of Aberdeen; her brother, Art Reichert (Joyce) of Isabel; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Quade M. Nichols.

Visitation will be held Thursday, November 20, from 5–7 p.m. at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish.  Funeral services will take place Friday, November 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish. A luncheon and time of fellowship will be held at the church after the service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at St. Paul Lutheran Church.