Marie Nicholls

Marie Nicholls, 79, died Thursday, Dec. 27 in Libby. Marie was born in Libby to John Solem, Sr. and Mabel (Paulson) Solem on Jan. 14, 1928.

She was raised and educated in Libby, graduating from Libby High School in 1947. She married Alvin Nicholls on Oct. 18, 1947.

Marie had worked at a drug store, Pacific Power and Light and J.C. Penneys. She and her husband had later owned and operated Kootenai Art Gallery where Marie had been a handcrafts instructor and her husband Al taught painting.

Her husband Alvin preceded her in death on Oct. 31, 2007. Marie was an excellent seamstress as well as cook. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a sister Helen.

Survivors include her son Paul Nicholls of Libby; sisters Marlene Nelson and Norma Vinson, both of Libby; and a brother, John Solem and his wife Mary Ellen of the Yaak; and brother-in-law Robert Nicholls and wife Myrna of Libby as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held on Wednesday at the Nelson & Vial Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Steve Benson officiating. Interment services followed in the City of Libby Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.