Betty Kuhl Nickinson was born October 18, 1926, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, daughter of Glen and Marjorie Kuhl. The family eventually settled in south Florida where Betty quickly made friends at church and school, a pattern she continued throughout her life and moves.

Betty earned her B.A. in Political Science from Duke University in 1948. She married the love of her life, Ted Nickinson, when they both graduated from Duke that same year. For the first ten years of their marriage, they lived in at least eight places and had three children – Ed, Pat, and Merritt. They returned to Ted's hometown of Pensacola in 1958.

Both Betty and Ted were very active in their church and community. They were charter members of Trinity Presbyterian Church, and both served on the Session as well as taught Sunday School. Betty also played the piano and taught many of the youngsters at Trinity. She and Ted delighted in being table hosts for the Logos program there – their love for all generations shining through. Betty, with her dear friend Mary Black, revitalized the church library which became a hub of activity for children and adults.

Betty was active in the Junior League of Pensacola, and in P.E.O., of whom she received life-time membership. In her work with children at risk, she discovered that the Juvenile Detention Center in the 1960's was inadequate. She worked hard to challenge this and eventually the services there were much improved. She served on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce, worked for the Florida Department of Children and Families Services, University Hospital, among other civic activities, serving people and the community. It has been said of Betty that she would see a need, address it so well that a paid position would be created that Betty was uniquely qualified to fill.

Family, both immediate and extended, were extremely important to Betty. She encouraged her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, to strive to be the best people they could be – caring for one another, for their communities, and for others around the world. Her bright smile and sincere interest in getting to know others endeared her to many even beyond family ties. Her marriage to Ted was one of genuine deep love and respect for one another. Their marriage was an example for all whom they knew.

Betty is preceded in death by her treasured husband, Ted; her parents; brother, Don and wife, Em; and sister-in-law, Betty Chitty and her husband, Arthur.

She is survived by her children, Ed Nickinson and wife Jean, Pat Nickinson, and Merritt Schatz and husband Noel; grandchildren: Phillips and wife Shannon; John and wife Kelly; Christopher and fiancée Bridget; Jacob Schatz and wife Emily; Eva Schatz and fiancé Ellery; great-granddaughters Mia and Isabella Nickinson; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

On April 26, 2023, Betty has entered the rest of her eternal life which began on this earth but now continues in the heavenly realm of God where there is no more pain or sorrow or suffering. Her strong faith in Jesus Christ which she proclaimed through her care and love for all always sustained her and encourages us to follow in her footsteps. The family is very appreciative of the support Betty received from the hospice care Vitas.

A Memorial Service will be held 11:00am Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Hugh Hamilton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations might be given to: Trinity Presbyterian Church; Duke University; Greenmore Farm Animal Rescue ( https://www.greenmorerescue.org/ ) or a charity of your choice.

If you are unable to attend and would like to watch the service livestream you can click on this link: https://youtube.com/live/czv_b4Fil3Y