RAPID CITY – Tomy Lou Haneck Nickel, 88, died Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at a Avantara North Nursing Home.

Tommy Lou was born October 8, 1935 in Venita, OK to Tom and Mary (Estes) Haneck.  She was a proud grandmother of four grandchildren & recently was thrilled that Courtney made her a great grandma.  Tommy was a professional Care Provider who supported and administered to many elders so they could stay in their own homes instead of having to be admitted into Nursing Care facilities. Tommy Lou moved from Loveland, Colorado to Box Elder, SD so she could be closer to her grandchildren. Her grandchildren were her world.

Tommy Lou was a loving, caring, thoughtful, God loving, and God-fearing woman.  As she is now in Heaven, she is probably offering to help out wherever possibly needed no matter how many times God tells her, "You can rest now, Tommy Lou."

Tommy's wishes were to be cremated.

Tommy is survived by her grandchildren: Courtney, Kyle, Bradley, and Lacey. She is also survived by good friends, Carol Taylor and Joyce (Bruce) Gay and their daughter, Jennifer Coatney.

"Don't cry because its over, smile that it happened. Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

CAROL TAYLOR'S MEMORIES OF TOMMY LOU NICKEL

Tommy Lou was my mother's live-in Care Provider in Loveland, Colorado & who allowed my mom to wonderfully stay in her home until she passed.  Tommy became another daughter to my mom except Mom liked Tommy best!  Tommy not only cared for my mom, she also became Keeper, Slave, & Caterer to my Mom's beloved cat, "Wally." (Please see photo collage).

Tommy dearly loved her four grandchildren & was thrilled when Courtney made her a Great Grandma recently.  She also very much loved those who helped raise them.  Angels to her were her best friend Joyce Gay and Joyce's daughter Jennifer Coatney.  Joyce & Bruce adopted the neglected children approximately 17 years ago when Courtney was 5, Kyle Teighlor was 4, and twins Bradley and Lacey were 2 years old. Jennifer was always there to help when Joyce needed respite. Tommy was eternally grateful to them for their steadfast dedication.  Tommy moved from Loveland, Colorado to Box Elder, South Dakota soon after the Gay's adopted the grandchildren so she could become a fulltime Grandma.

Tommy Lou was the most loving, caring, thoughtful, God loving, & God fearing person I've known.  As she is now in Heaven, she is probably offering to help out wherever possibly needed, no matter how many times God tells her, "You can rest now, Tommy Lou."

Miss you & love you always Tommy.

Carol