Donalee Katherine Nickles

Donalee Katherine Nickles, 75, was born in Bellflower, California to Edward and Gyneth Rindahl on April 3, 1939. She joined them in Heaven on February 26, 2015, when she left this world, and her physical pain, peacefully in her sleep.

Dona lived her life for Christ, family, friends, and children. She was an elementary school teacher for over 35 years, earning two masters degrees in education, the first from Azusa Pacific University and the second from Pepperdine University. She began working with children at a young age, starting as a Sunday school teacher and then as director of Christian education at the South Gate Church of Christ. Dona served as director of the Junior High School girls' camp at Angeles Crest Christian Camp for over 25 years. She began her teaching career at a Christian elementary school in Lawndale, CA and then taught at Abbott Elementary School in the Lynwood School District for 34 years. While at Abbott, she was honored as Teacher of the Year, although the true testament to her impact as a teacher was the number of former students that came back to visit her at school.

Dona has always been an active church member. While at Westside Christian Church, in Long Beach, she set up and maintained their library and was an officer of the women's group and Prime Time seniors' group. She also participated in the creation of "Skate Side", a weekly outreach program to the neighborhood boys, providing a safe place to play and have refreshments.

Dona married the love of her life, Ron Nickles, in 1996; Ron made his journey to Heaven the following year and they are now reunited and able to pick up where they left off. Family was very important to Dona; her eyes would light up when she spoke to or of any of her nieces or nephews and her great nieces and nephews. She was extremely proud of each of them.

Once she retired from education, Dona took an active interest in service at Leisure World, Seal Beach, by serving as a director for Mutual #11 for several years, serving on several different committees, and on the Golden Age board for two years. She was active in the Kiwanis Club and in the Children Are a Priority (CAP) organization, where she served as president for 3 years. Dona also served as a volunteer at the health care center.

Dona was preceded to Heaven by her parents, big brother Ed Rindahl, little sister Patricia Harpt, and husband Ron. She is survived by her sister-in-law JuDee Rindahl, sister- and brother-in-law Don and Ginny Nickles, six nieces and nephews (Mark Harpt, Nathan Harpt, Deanna Rindahl, Derek Harpt, Eric Rindahl, and Debbie Harpt) and their families, which include the most recent joys of her life, eight great nieces and nephews (Kyle and Alyssa Harpt; Madison, Chase, and McKenna Rindahl; Matthew and Nicole Harpt; and Shawna Rindahl).

One of Dona's last big grins came from a discussion with Nathan about lutefisk. Not familiar with it? Ask a Norwegian. Dona was extremely proud of her Norwegian heritage and was even able to travel to Norway several years ago.

A service will be held at 12:30 on Sunday, March 8th at Clubhouse 1 in Leisure World, Seal Beach; reception to follow. A private burial is being held the prior day; arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Cypress, California.