Marie "Chris" Christeen (Haynes) Nichols

Marie Christeen “Chris” Nichols, 78, of Farmington, MO formally of Des Arc, MO, passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Mercy South, St. Louis, MO.

Chris was born March 31, 1946, at St. Louis, MO, to parents Louis and Marie (Portell) Haynes. On June 5, 1961, Chris was united in marriage to Paul E. Nichols and to this union six children were born.

Chris lived in Des Arc for many years and was active in the Des Arc First Baptist Church. When she moved to Farmington, she became active in several area churches.

She was above all else a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Because she was such a great mother, her children rise up and called her blessed. It was a great loss for her children and grandchildren.  Chris was an industrious woman having been a restaurateur for many years owning the Des Arc Café and owning a restaurant on Park Road. She was a great cook. In later years she served others as an in-home caregiver. She was a sweet lady, and she could also be a real firecracker at times. Chris loved to travel and go to the flea-market. She always kept her home decorated. In her spare time, she enjoyed her tv shows on HGTV, and also Hallmark and Lifetime movies.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of forty-one years; one son, Ronald Nichols; one daughter, Shelly Nichols; brothers: Paul Haynes and Carl Haynes; sisters: Joyce Bradshaw and Diane Retzler.

Chris is survived by son, Mark Nichols of Quincy, IL; daughters: Barbara Burwell, Martinsburg, WV, Dawn Nicholson and husband Paul, and Karen Rousan and husband Jim, all of Farmington; grandchildren: Nicole, Joshua, Michelle, Deborah, Brandon, Ashley, Jennifer, Cody, Colton, Cameron, Jeremy, James, Justin; great grandchildren: Simon, Bella, Theo, Eilam, Isaac, Brode, Jackson, Allison, Abel, Degan, Owen, Carson, Trenton, JoJo, Liam, Kaycee, Leo, Kynzlee, Ryker, Easton, Bryson, Isaiah, Jaycee; brother, Ray Haynes of Charleston; and one sister, Carol Faulkner of Piedmont. Chris will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Visitation was held at 11:00 am, Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont Chapel. Funeral service followed at 1:00 pm, also in the Piedmont Chapel. Pastor Mark Nichols ministered to the family. Brandon Kelley, Cody Rousan, Cameron Rousan, Simon Robinson, Willard Montgomery, and Nicholas Rich served as pallbearers. Burial was in Mt. View Cemetery, Des Arc, MO. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marie "Chris" Christeen (Haynes) Nichols, please visit our floral store.