Wanda Phyllis Snell Nichols, age 72, of Galax, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2024, at the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson, North Carolina. Wanda was born in Bluefield, West Virginia, to the late James Richard Snell and Elnora Catherine Ritter Snell, affectionately known as EllaKate.

Wanda was a dedicated Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who cared deeply for others. She had a love for horses and the outdoors, spending time with her beloved horse, Dusty, and her trusty mule, Sam, brought her much joy. She also enjoyed going to horse shows and cherished the simple joys of country living.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Donald Nichols; two sons, Donald Kemper Nichols, and Mark Daniel Nichols.

She is survived by her daughters, Melissa Dawn Nichols- Smith and her husband, Christopher James Smith, and Catherine Shaffer and her husband, James Michael Shaffer; three granddaughters, Allissa Rose Smith, Phoebe Nekole Smith, and Nora Emilee Shaffer; two great grandchildren, Zaiden Allen Manning, and Novaleigh Rose Smith Carrico; She will also be missed by her special companion, Tank.

In accordance with Wanda's wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. The family invites those who knew and loved her to remember her in their own special way.

Reins~Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence, VA is serving the Nichols family.