On Sunday, February 5, 2023, Barbara Ellen Layman Bond Nichols went to be with
her Heavenly Father. Barbara was born July 30, 1941 to Marvin I. Layman and
Fern Marjorie Boles Layman in Liberal Kansas. Barbara was the granddaughter of
John Boles and Allie Hatch Boles, pioneers of Southwest Kansas. After graduating
from high school, Barbara attended North Western University in Alva, Oklahoma.
While there, she was elected sophomore class president and choir queen. In 1992,
Barbara graduated from the University of New Mexico, with a bachelor’s degree in
general studies. She was a member of the New Mexico WaterColor Association,
loved art, especially the French Impressionist, and the Taos Art Colony and their
art. She also enjoyed music and was a member of the University of New Mexico
Choir.
Barbara was a lifelong Methodist, and was a member of Polk Street United
Methodist Church, serving on several committees and also served on the
Administrative Board. During her working life as an accountant, she worked for Mesa Petroleum,
Maxor Corporation, and Boys Ranch. Barbara volunteered at Amarillo Adult Literacy.
Barbara was a devoted wife and mother. She was previously married to Dick
Bond, deceased, and later to Jerry K. Nichols. She is the mother of two children, Dee Bond of
Angel Fire, New Mexico, and Dr. Marjorie Ellen Bond, PhD, of State College, PA, and
the stepmother of Nicole Nichols Sanders, deceased, and has three step
granddaughters, Lauren Sanders Smith, Jillian Sanders Swanson, and Madeline
Sanders. Barbara was predeceased in death by a brother, Marvin Layman, Jr. and sister, Jo
Ann Layman Block.