Nicole Louise King, 54, of Ottumwa, died at 5:56 p.m. April 16, 2023 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
She was born November 2, 1968 in Ottumwa to Monte James and Linda Kay Taylor King.
Nici was a 1987 graduate of Ottumwa High School. She graduated from Indian Hills Community College and University of Northern Iowa earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She earned her master’s degree in education from Viterbo University.
Nici taught elementary through 4th grade at Wilson and Horace Mann Elementary schools since 1992. She was an advocate for children and one of her passions was the “Main Street Schoolhouse,” a non-profit organization she started in restoring an old building as a resource center for children.
Nici had attended Community of Christ where she enjoyed helping with vacation bible school and attending and teaching at yearly church camps and reunions in Nauvoo, IL. She also enjoyed dancing, singing, attending flea markets and garage sales, collecting antiques and attending OHS softball games. She loved her dogs and especially loved spending time with friends and family. She had been a member of OEA and a volunteer for 4-H, helping with their Cookie Walk at Festival of Trees.
Surviving are her parents, Linda Kay King and Monte James King both of Ottumwa; a sister, Teri Janeane King of Ottumwa; a niece, Taylor Nicole King; her fur babies, Desi and Lucy; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and hundreds of former students whom she loved.
Her body has been cremated. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29th at Ottumwa High School auditorium with her cousin, Dani Dowling officiating. A reception will follow in the cafeteria.
Memorials may be made to Main Street Schoolhouse Inc., c\o Meridian Credit Union, 1206 N Jefferson St, Ottumwa, IA 52501 or Heartland Humane Society, PO Box 1149, Ottumwa, IA 52501.
Reece Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
