On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, Melvalene (Shepard) Nichols passed away at the age of 86. Melvalene was born October 24, 1935 near Okemah , Okla. to parents R.M. "Milt" Shepard and Lena Nevlyne (Dale) Shepard. She attended Pleasant Valley School through 8th grade and went on to graduate from Okemah H.S. in 1953. She married Bobby Nichols in 1954 on his birthday so he'd never be able to forget their anniversary. She raised 3 children before going back to college, receiving a Bachelors degree in Elementary Education from Northeaster State University in Tahlequah, Okla. in 1983 and continuing with coursework towards a Masters degree as a Reading Specialist. She worked at the Checotah Public Library until her retirement. She loved to sing and everywhere she went she invited people to sing with her. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed puzzles and crocheting. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband , Bobby Nichols of Okemah, Okla; children, Rex Nichols of Tulsa, Okla., Anita Nichols of Okemah, Okla., and Brett Nichols of Okemah, Okla.; sister, Bette Davidson and husband Donny of Henryetta, Okla.; and many extended family. A family-led memorial service will be held at a later date.