Mary Kay Nickel

Mary Kay Nickel, 77, of Lefors, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026 in Lefors.

Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Lefors with Pastor Matthew Honeycutt officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Mary Kay Nickel was born February 2, 1949 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Pat and Bettye Lee. She graduated from Lefors High School in 1967. After graduation she went to Highland General Hospital and received her nursing certificate. On March 29, 1968, she married the love of her life, Kenneth Nickel. They would have celebrated 58 years of marriage in just a few days.

Soon after they married, they moved to Nebraska for a few years while Kenneth was working. In 1971, they moved back to Lefors. Mary Kay began working in the nursery at Highland General Hospital for a few years. She then went to work for Sears and served as assistant manager for several years until it sold. Mary Kay then worked several years for Bruce and Son’s before she transitioned to the City of Pampa. She worked in the water department for 15 years before she retired. Her and Kenneth both retired the same year, and they moved out to work on the Mesa Vista Ranch. Fifteen years later, they would both retire again for good and moved to Lefors in 2021.

Mary Kay was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Lefors. She was the “rock” for their family. Always happy and loved her family dearly. Mary Kay was a wonderful “Nana” to her grandchildren, and she spoiled them every chance she could.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Beverly Prestidge; brother, Donald Wayne Boyd; and a grandson, Cameron Meddock.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth of the home; daughter, Melanie Ray and husband Michael of Lefors; son, Rodney Nickel of Spearman; two sister, Vickie Nelson of Higgins and Judy Hix and husband Jim of Amarillo; special cousin, Roy Alderson and wife Mary of Lefors; four grandchildren, Tanner Ray and wife Lauren, Kendra Ray and fiancé Ricky McCoy, Taylor Ray, and Zeke Meddock; ten great grandchildren; and one special great-granddaughter; and numerous other family members.

Memorial can be sent to First Baptist Church of Lefors, Lefors Volunteer Fire Department, or St. Jude Children Research Hospital.