Patricia Gayle Nickerson

Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, and Friend

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Patricia “Gayle” Nickerson, who peacefully left this world on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the age of 79. Surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle, Gayle’s passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of all who cherished her.

Gayle was born in Watseka, Illinois, on March 14, 1946, and graduated from Honey Creek High School in Terre Haute, Indiana. She began her professional career at Amax Coal Company, where she worked from 1969 to 1998. During her long and dedicated service, she made history as the first and only female President of the company’s prestigious 20 Year Club. Later, she pursued her passion for wellness and care by owning and operating The Escape Day Spa for more than a decade. Under her leadership, the spa was honored as the number one spa by Indianapolis Woman Magazine, reflecting her commitment to excellence and her gift for helping others feel valued and cared for.

Gayle is survived by her children Lori (Steve) Clyne, Jennifer (Bob) Arnold, and Matthew (Rebecca) Cotton; her sister Diane Heindel; and her grandchildren Blake Clyne, Allison (Caleb) Small, Grant (Megan) Clyne, Christopher (Brandy) Mitchell, Dustin (Emily) Mitchell, Camie Steiner, Jason (Sunrise) Arnold, James Cotton, Jessi (Manuel) Cotton -Renteria, Jena Cotton, Madison, Isabele, Alexiss, Baleigh, and Gabriel Cotton. She also leaves behind 21 great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews who loved her dearly. Gayle grew up with a gentle spirit and a genuine passion for helping others, qualities that remained central to her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents Audrey and Edward Firchau; her son Bradley S. Cotton; her siblings Bob Firchau, Beth Ann Stokes, and Billy Wools; and her granddaughter Amanda Arnold.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Gayle found her greatest joy in her family. She was a steady source of encouragement and wisdom, teaching by example the values of patience, resilience, strong faith, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she touched with her warmth and kindness.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to AccentCare Hospice, whose compassionate and steadfast support brought profound comfort. They also wish to thank WellBrooke of Carmel for the exceptional care, kindness, and support shown not only to Gayle but also to the entire family. Your dedication and compassion made a meaningful difference during her time with you.

A celebration of Gayle’s life will be held at a later date. Family and friends will be invited to gather, share memories, and honor the beautiful life she lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gayle’s memory to: the Children’s Burn Foundation: https://www.childburn.org/events or Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation: https://www.advancingexpertcare.org/hpnf/.

May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to inspire us all.

Forever in our hearts.