Evelyn Ilene Nicholson”I love you more” rolled off the lips of this beautiful lady thousands of times in 97 years. Mrs. Evelyn Ilene Nicholson (Misemer) was one person you could rely on to express herself and send you away knowing you were loved. Evelyn’s ability to share a love for others and demonstrate gratitude for what life delivered stemmed from humble beginnings near Paris Springs, Missouri. Born to D.P. and Mae Misemer on September 5, 1918, Evelyn quickly learned how to put in an honest day on the family farm. She enjoyed working alongside siblings, parents, aunts, and uncles through the late 1960s. Powerful memories were created here, and her life was further defined by these experiences. Evelyn met the love of her life, Nelson Nicholson, while attending Halltown High School and they married in 1938. The loving pair shared a lifetime of joy raising three daughters and one son, and later in life they were blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All were loved beyond measure. Evelyn was known for her quick wit, a stunning smile, and an adventurous soul. She spent countless hours on Ozark waterways fishing, boating, sunning, cooking, and smiling. Evelyn took great pride in her home and welcomed guests with grace and style.She was accomplished in many areas, and two of the most memorable are being named Grand Champion at the Ozarks Empire Fair for her German Chocolate Cake, and winning the Greyhound Fishing Tournament in 1985 (one of two women to enter competition). Much of Evelyn’s legacy is a dying art. 97 years were met with love, fortitude, hard work, and strength. Faith and family came first. Those who knew her well would say she lived life fully and abundantly, and desired that of those around her. She passed on December 22 to join Nelson for Christmas. She will be missed.Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Nelson Nicholson, mother Mae, father D.P. Misemer, brother Millard, and sisters Juanita and Elpha. We celebrate her passing with respect to the way she lived: Evelyn is survived by children Judy and Phil Groover, Jill and Rick Creson, Jennah Nicholson, and Jay Nicholson. Six loving grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren round out this rich existence. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Springfield Victory Mission, PO Box 2884, Springfield, MO 65890 or The Gideons International, Springfield South Camp, PO Box 4221, Springfield, MO 65808. A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 26, 10:00 a.m. at White Chapel Memorial Gardens 5234 W HWY EE (W Division), Springfield, Missouri.