Marcella Ann Nikkel was born on November 11, 1935 near Sully Iowa. She was the 9th of ten brothers and sisters. She grew up on the farm and helped bake pies for a big family. She met Lester, her future husband, while attending a small one room schoolhouse. Dad always liked to tell the story of winking at her across the room and getting in trouble with the school teacher. Marcella & Les got married in 1952 at the age 17 & 19, starting out life on the farm and then later moving to town. They opened a café and spent many nights with friends making music there after hours. Marcella was known for her gift of being able to play the piano by ear.

After a couple of years and the birth of two sons, they sold the café and Les went to work as a carpenter. Marcella became busy raising 4 children at home: Lee, Marlon, Alicia & Melissa. She was a busy member of Sully Christian Reformed church, helping in many different ways thru the years. She led women's Bible study groups and headed up a quilting ministry. She and Les made many trips to Des Moines to bring quilts to people who really needed them.

Marcella loved painting, drawing and teaching art at the Sully Christian grade school. She often spent time both painting and writing, two of her favorite things.

Marcella had a real gift of hospitality, always ready for drop in guest with a cup of coffee and free baked goodies. Their door was always open. She lived her faith as an amazing example of patience, kindness, encouragement and a loving attitude. She and Lester liked to say that even after 60 years of marriage they had yet to have a fight.

Marcella will be missed by her family, 3 remaining children, 5 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Those who preceeded her in death were Lester, her husband, and Marlon, her son.

Those left to honor her are:

Lee & Ruth Laverman                        Sully

Luke & Rachel Laverman

Liam, Georgia, Eli, and Theodore

Josh Laverman

Alicia & Kevin Roozeboom                Pella

Joshua & Leah Roozeboom

Abigail, Ashton, Cadence & Caleb

Joseph & Susan Roozeboom

Coleman, Sadie & Violet

Cody & Sarah Roozeboom

Adelaide, Emmylyn & Juliana

Melissa Laverman                              Oskaloosa

Her sister & brother-in-law Linda & Maurice Rozendaal

Her sister-in-law Henrietta Laverman

Bethel Mission - Des Moines
Des Moines IA

Pella Pro Life
PO Box 232, Pella IA 50219
Web: http://pellaprolife.com/