Sandy Nickels (née Giegerich), 63, of High Ridge passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. She is survived by her husband, Anthony ‘Tony’ Nickels; daughters Holly Nickels and Elizabeth (Joshua) Whitelaw; grandchildren Finley and Violet Whitelaw; Erwin and Clara Nickels-whom she always referred to as Mom and Dad; siblings Velma (Jim) Tharp, Mary (Jim) Layton, Regina (Ricky) Autry, Belinda (John) Hiatt, and Richard Giegerich Jr.; sister and brother-in-law Deborah and Michael Ford; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and pets.
Sandy was preceded in death by her sister Charlotte Giegerich as well as Mr. and Mrs. Richard Giegerich.
Born in St. Louis on May 27, 1962, Sandy was the third of seven children. She was the loving wife of 42 years to Tony, of whom she always said was her soulmate. She was an amazing Mom to her girls and a devoted Grandma to her grandchildren. Sandy was never too busy to make a brief (or lengthy) phone call to her daughters and sisters, go on a shopping trip (especially if it was the grocery store) or bake blueberry muffins and cookies with her grandkids.
Sandy was laid to rest during a private graveside service held at Shepherd Hills Cemetery on September 23, 2025.
To honor Sandy’s memory, the family requests donations be made in her name to Prevent Child Abuse America at preventchildabuse.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at http://stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications/donation-in-honor-of-someone.html in lieu of flowers.
To the Nickels family, I send you my deepest condolences on the loss of your wife and mother. I’ve known Sandy during her younger years as a Giegerich. She had such a bubbly personality, with a ready smile on her face and a laugh that was infectious. I know you will miss her terribly and I know the love you have for her will live forever in your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.