Karen Kleine Nickles, born March 3, 1940 in Cincinnati, Ohio passed away on August 8, 2025 in Savannah, Georgia at the age of 85.
Karen was the valedictorian of the Mariemont High School Class of 1958. She attended Purdue University and was a proud member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.
An accomplished athlete from an early age, it was Karen’s involvement in tennis that led her to the love of her life, James Michael “Mike” Nickles. Karen and Mike were married on June 3, 1961 and lived in Terrace Park, Ohio where their sons Lance and Kyle were born in 1964 and 1967. In 1968, Karen and Mike moved to Columbia, Maryland where their son, Brent, was born in 1971.
During their 30 years in Maryland, Karen and Mike were active in the tennis and golf communities. Always the consummate connector of people, Karen was a Boy Scout troop Den Mother, a neighborhood potluck dinner and party planner, tennis league chairwoman, and Kappa Kappa Gamma fundraiser. A “boy mom” before that was a recognized term, Karen loved watching her sons play sports, especially baseball and soccer. She was always happy to have a rambunctious pack of neighborhood boys playing various sports in her backyard.
After moving to Savannah, Georgia in 1998, Karen quickly became involved in the Southbridge neighborhood, as well as the larger Savannah community. Active in the golf community, Karen’s creation of “Karen’s Kapers” resulted in countless years of fun and friendship on and off the golf course. Always interested in art, music, and travel, Karen became a Master Docent at Telfair Academy and a choir member at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church. Watercolor painting and playing in a ukulele group were passions, as well as traveling to National Parks and international destinations.
Karen’s kindness, energy, and creativity will be missed by all who were blessed by her friendship. She loved greatly and was greatly loved.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Rowland and Jeanne Beddoe Kleine, her husband, Mike Nickles, and her sister, Toni Walker. Karen is survived by her sons Lance (Karen,) Kyle (Shari,) Brent (Veronica,) and grandchildren Garrett (Emily) Nickles, Claire (Daniel) Nobles, Holly Nickles (Jacob Lankford,) Brandon Nickles, and Scott Serafin, and her great-grandchildren Griffith and Brooks Nickles and Sophie Nobles. Karen is also survived by her brother, Douglas Kleine (Bonnie) and her sister, Jennifer Rech.
Following a private burial, a Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 20 at 12 PM at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, 429 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401. There will be a joint Celebration of Life for Karen and her sister, Toni Walker, who preceded her in death by 13 days, held at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force 175 Bourne Avenue, Pooler, Georgia 31322 following the Memorial Service.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the sanctuary repair fund at Wesley Monumental UMC, 429 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401. Please note “In memory of Karen Nickles” in the memo line of the check.
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Matt Frank
It was too much fun being amongst the rambunctious pack of boys tearing around the Nickles’ yard…and every other yard, street, pond, stream, and pool in the neighborhood, whether invited or not. Karen and Mike were treasured extensions of our families and part of the collective neighborhood parental overwatch. Kept us well fed and alive despite our youthful indiscretions. Many thanks, blessings and peace to family and friends.
Thomas Noel Cooper
My wife, Linda saw her in the adult choir of our church, but we got to know her when we became members of the Sunday School class. She was a long time member. She and I enjoyed sharing diverse opinions on the lessons. Then I was asked to become a member of The Ukulele chorus. She way a wonderful singer. We will miss her and sister Toni both, another member with great singing voice.
June
Karen was one of a kind…a true individual. Her humor was always something to enjoy. Bless the family…you were always first in her heart.
Susie Russell
My deepest condolences. Met Karen through Savannah Women’s Golf Association. Always a pleasure. RIP
Charlotte Conradi
It is with deep sorrow that I am sending this message to the Nickles Family.
Karen and I spent many afternoons together and enjoyed family stories and a little nip.
Also, very sorry to hear about Toni.
I know Karen will be deeply missed by her family, who she truly loved and found great joy with them.
Love!
Charlotte
Charlotte Conradi
It is with deep sorrow that I am sending this message to the Nickles’ Family
Karen and I spent many afternoons together and enjoyed family stories and a little nip.
Also, very sorry to hear about Toni.
I know Karen will be deeply missed by her family who she truly loved and found great joy with them
Love,
Charlotte
Maria De Souza
I Will miss you Brilliant Ms.Karen.
Maria De Souza
I will remember her doing her puzzles waile I cleaned her house.Im my heart brilliant lady.