Shirley "Nana" Ann Baenen Nichols

Shirley “Nana” Ann Baenen Nichols

On November 3, 2025, Shirley “Nana” Ann Baenen Nichols passed from this world in a room overflowing with loving family in the midst of prayer. 

Born March 28, 1934, in Libby, Montana, Shirley was the youngest daughter of Ray and Mabel Baenen. After graduating from Libby High School in 1952, her adventurous spirit led her through numerous professions, her favorite being that of a telephone operator. 

In Spokane, Shirley met the love of her life, Clyde Luther Nichols, whom she married on August 28, 1954. Together they relocated to Alabama, where they grew their family. In 1964, the Nichols family put down roots in Anaconda, reuniting Shirley with her beloved sister and lifelong partner-in-crime, Dorothy. 

A faithful member of Anaconda’s Catholic community, Shirley sang in the church choir alongside Dot, revitalizing the many times they sang on stages together back in Libby. 

While others in Alabama were southern belles, Shirley held onto her everlasting case of southern spice, aligning with her jokester heart that ensured there was never a dull moment. True to her open heart, Shirley’s door was always open. Her home was filled with love, laughter, and plenty of pies and biscuits. She loved playing dominoes, crocheting and gardening.

But she was always up for a drive anytime/anywhere. During every drive she would say, “You couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day!” 

Shirley is survived by her children: Cathy Girton of Sunset, UT, Clyde Jr. (Jeri Kay) Nichols of Butte, Bob (Linda) Nichols of Anaconda, Dori (Bill) Schiele of Stevensville, Jenni (Joe) Micheletti of Billings; daughter-in-law Sheri Nichols of Wise River; 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather Ted Ackerman; husband Clyde Nichols; sisters Loretta (Vern) Anderson and Dorothy (Ernie) Post; daughter Nicki Leiss; son Ted Nichols; grandson Teddy Nichols; and granddaughter Becky Mason. 

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Diane McCarthy and the many other caregivers who lovingly provided years of service, allowing Shirley to spend her final years in the serenity of her own home. 

Memorials in honor of Shirely are suggested to Anaconda Catholic Community, 217 W Pennsylvania, Anaconda MT 59711.

Funeral services are under the direction of Longfellow Finnegan Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Holy Family Church in Anaconda with viewing at 9:30am and Mass at 10:30am. Friends and family are invited to a reception directly following in the Hunthausen Center. Private family interment will be held at a later date.

Please visit longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Shriley.