Betty J. Nicholas, 91, of Bluffton, passed away Friday morning, Feb. 10, 2017, at Signature Healthcare in Bluffton.

Born in Adams County, IN, on Oct. 24, 1925, to John and Mary Klopfenstein Mertz, Betty married Max D. Nicholas on May 13, 1944, in Taylor, TX; he preceded her in death on May 4, 2007.

Betty was a 1943 graduate of Bluffton High School and a member of the First Baptist Church in Bluffton.  After high school, she went to work at the Knitting Mill and a bakery in Ft. Wayne.  Then, for many years, she stayed at home to raise her children.  She eventually went back to work several different jobs in Bluffton, but will most be remembered for her time as a hostess at the Rittenhouse and as a sales clerk at Bluffton Gift and Office Supply.

She was also associated with the Bluffton Free Street Fair for over 50 years with her husband Max.

Survivors include a son, Mark (Marsha) Nicholas of Bluffton; a daughter, Debby K. Brickley of Bluffton; three grandchildren, Jay (Mallory) Nicholas, Megan (Loren) Hall, and Karla Brickley; three great-grandchildren; and a brother, Rev. Donald (Frances) Mertz of Willmington, OH.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Nicholas; two brothers, Roger Mertz and John Ronald Mertz (infant); a sister, Wanda Moser; and a son-in-law, Clarence "Coon" Brickley.

Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, from 3:00 until 7:00 PM, at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton.  Services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017, at 10:30 AM, at the funeral home, with one hour of visitation prior to the service.  Pastor Les Cantrell will officiate.  Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Bluffton.

Memorial contributions may be given to the First Baptist Church or Family LifeCare of Berne.