Anita Mae (Powell) Nicholson, 85, passed away Monday, January 5, 2026, in Salina, KS. She was born on September 23, 1940, in Wichita, KS., the daughter of Durland and Harriett Powell.

She married Robert Morris (Bob) Nicholson on July 29, 1961, in Wichita, KS. They were introduced to each other at a church function. They lived in several places; Topeka Kansas, where both of her sons were born, Hammond Indiana, Calumet City Illinois, and eventually settled in Salina Kansas.

Anita was a high school graduate, a talented pianist and singer. She worked for Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator. While the boys were growing up, she was a homemaker, a church secretary and a data processor at Kansas Wesleyan University. Anita loved music and served as the Choir Director at Belmont Blvd Christian Church for 40+ years.

She is survived by two sons, Greg (Mindy) Nicholson and Jeff (Darlene) Nicholson, two granddaughters, Ashlea Nicholson and Bethany Nicholson, three grandsons, Connor (Lexi) Holdren, Carson Holdren, and Chandler Nicholson, along with three great-granddaughters and five great-grandsons.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and brothers William and Gary Powell.

There will be no visitation. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday January 17, 2026, at Belmont Boulevard Christian Church at 2508 Belmont in Salina. A private interment will be at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Belmont Boulevard Christian Church, CAPS or the donor’s choice.