Jana Lynn (Martin) Nichols, 71, of Paso Robles, California, passed away on May 15, 2025.

Born on November 8, 1954, in Paso Robles to James and Frances Martin, Jana was the eldest daughter of six children and grew up surrounded by the love (and lively energy) of her siblings: Steven Wayne Martin, Gregory Allen Martin, Julie Ellen Rogers, Gina Louise Hobbs, and Tina Marie Walker.

On November 6, 1971, Jana married Kirkley R. Peterson in her hometown. Together they welcomed three children—Kristi-Ann Lynn Tucker, Kirkley Rue Peterson, Jr., and Joshua Earl Peterson. Jana and Kirk remained committed friends and co-parents when in 1984, Jana met the love of her life, Jack Nichols; they were married on April 19, 1995, and together they built a family of their own, raising together Jana’s children and Jack’s son, Rion Nichols.

Jana’s schooling ended early, but her education in love was lifelong. She labored as a CNA, waitress, restaurant host, housekeeper, and elder-care provider, offering the dignity of service to strangers and friends alike. Though her path was hard, she “did not grow weary in doing good” (Gal. 6:9): if someone was cold, she gave her coat; if someone was hungry, she found bread. This was her liturgy.

A devoted homemaker and tireless parent advocate, Jana was the mom who showed up: classroom volunteer, booster-club organizer, sideline encourager, and late-night project rescuer. She also shared her time with Legacy Church in Atascadero, supporting youth ministries and investing her gifts where they mattered most—young lives and everyday kindness.

Her greatest joy was her grandchildren: Marlyssa and Brieanna Tucker; Elijah and Emiley Peterson; Gage Peterson; and Teagan Nichols. Jana loved and championed each of them with fierce devotion and endless pride.

Jana was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Nichols, who passed unexpectedly during the Christmas season of 2022. She never fully recovered from that loss. It is a sweet blessing to all who loved her—and a consolation in our grief—to imagine them together again today.

She is survived by her children—Kristi-Ann Lynn Tucker, Kirkley Rue Peterson, Jr., Joshua Earl Peterson, and Rion Nichols; her grandchildren—Marlyssa and Brieanna Tucker, Elijah and Emiley Peterson, Gage Peterson, and Teagan Nichols; and her sisters—Julie Ellen Rogers, and Tina Marie Walker.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Legacy Church, Atascadero, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes support directed to Legacy Church Youth Ministries or a youth program of your choice, in Jana’s memory.

“May her memory be eternal.”

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/jana-nichols/obituary/

Copy