Martha “Martie” Elizabeth Searcy Nikkel April 17, 1941 – March 14, 2011 Martie Nikkel, of Ramona, passed away March 14, 2011. Born April 17, 1941 to Ruth Prescott in San Antonio, TX Martie was adopted by Dr Tom A. Searcy and his wife Jessie Eveland Searcy. Martie graduated from Hearne High School, Texas, in 1959 and was voted most popular. She received her AA from Stephens College in 1961 and her Bachelor’s in English from Texas Tech in 1963. She did her post-graduate work at Southwestern University from 1978-80. She was a Special Education teacher for 35 years with the majority of her career teaching at Thrall ISD and most recently at Ramona Unified School District from 1998-2003. She also worked at a private school from 2003-2007. Martie was married to Dennis Nikkel for eleven years and they had two children, A’me and Charlie. She lived in various cities in Texas including Hearne, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Lampasas, Luling, Taylor and most recently in Ramona, CA. Martie was a gifted musician on the harp and piano. She was classically trained but had a love of all music. Her love of music was reflected in her piano teaching and when she played weddings, funerals and other events. She had a unique gift in working with children. She could bring out the best in them in the way that she loved them unconditionally. She radiated joy and was a devout Christian and instantly made people feel welcome and left you feeling light-hearted. She had a gift for celebrating each person’s uniqueness. Her Texas acccent was an instant topic of conversation and was inviting, melodic and magical. She was a beautiful lady with a beautiful heart. Everyone she came in contact with instantly loved her. She was thankful, blessed, loving, accepting, faithful, joyful, humorous, robust, vibrant, laughed much and knew no strangers. She often said her best dreams came true in her children and grandchildren. Martie died at the age of 69, at her home in Ramona — loved by many friends and family and animals. Martie is survived by her daughter A’me (Dr. Sean Bush) Saverino, son Charlie (Tiffany Quinn) Nikkel, grandchildren Jude and Camille Saverino (who loved their “Moo Moo”), Quinn and Ruby Nikkel (who loved their “Grammy”), brother Tommy Searcy and sister Susan Prescott Simmons. A Memorial Mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Ramona, Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 11am. Bonham Bros. & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family.
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