With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jayne Rue (Wyatt) Nichols, who departed this life peacefully in her sleep on July 19 at the age of 87. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend – a gentle spirit whose warmth touched everyone she met.
Born in Garnett, Kansas, on September 17, 1937, Jayne Rue was the cherished only child of Kenneth and Veda Wyatt. A spirited and compassionate child, she grew into a woman admired for her kindness, integrity, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.
Jayne spent most of her life in Kansas, where she raised her two sons, Kendall and Bryan. She lived for several years in Phoenix, Arizona, before returning to Kansas following the death of her beloved husband, Billy E. Nichols, in 2004. In July 2023, Jayne made the joyful decision to move to Utah to live with her son Bryan, daughter-in-law Agnes, and their family. Embracing this new chapter, she found great delight in being surrounded by her grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and the four large dogs that filled their home with energy and love.
She graduated from Garnett High School in the class of 1955 and remained deeply connected to her classmates, cousins, and friends from the Garnett area—no matter where life took her.
Jayne pursued a career in bookkeeping with the Kansas Department of Education, where she worked for more than 20 years, earning admiration for her professionalism and strong work ethic.
Outside of her career, Jayne was an active and vibrant member of her community. She supported the arts in Topeka, was an avid patron of the library in Wichita, and was always ready with a kind word or a helping hand.
Jayne’s faith in Jesus Christ became a treasured part of her later life. She was baptized as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in November 2024 while living at Grove Creek Assisted Living in Lindon, Utah. Her baptism brought her peace and a new sense of belonging – she often spoke with gratitude for the many missionaries who guided and encouraged her through that journey. Her love for the Savior brought her comfort, strength, and joy in her final months.
Jayne is lovingly remembered by her son, Bryan Durst (Agnes); five grandchildren — Kendra Mitchell, Lindsey LaJeunesse, William Durst (Harli), Candi McDowell (Mike), and Billy Nichols; and seven great-grandchildren — Zayden; Lily, Ari, Evie, and Jameson; Dominic; and Ireland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Veda Wyatt; her husband, Billy E. Nichols; her eldest son, Kendall Ray Durst; and her beloved great-grandson, Riley Durst. We take comfort in knowing that Jayne is now reunited with them surrounded by love.
Her ashes will be laid to rest at a later date in the Yerkes family plot at the Garnett Cemetery, beside her son Kendall and among loved ones.
May her spirit rest peacefully, and may her love continue to uplift us all.
A funeral will be held in Jayne’s honor on Friday Aug 29th at 10am, located at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service at 219 S Oak St, Garnett, KS 66032
1 Condolence for Jayne Rue (Wyatt) Nichols
Condolence(1)
Lisa Larson says
July 24, 2025 at 6:22 amI will miss you Jayne! You were so much fun, a sparkling light that I was fortunate to meet, know and love for just this short while.
My condolences to your remaining family on earth, though there were doubtless many waiting for you on the other side to receive you with joy. I’ll see you soon, gal! Thanks for the memories.