"Sanford Ross Nicholes, age 76, passed away May 20, 2010 at his home in American Fork, Utah. Ross was born Feb 2, 1934 in American Fork to Howard Wing and Hope Hatton Taha Nicholes. He married Orpha JaNae Batchelor on Oct 13, 1953 in the Salt Lake Temple.
Ross has many titles. Most important, a loving husband, and second most important, Dad. The funnest title he holds is that of Grandpa. Many experienced his great love for cooking. He learned to cook while spending time herding sheep during his younger years. His reputation in the kitchen gave him an opportunity to serve an LDS mission cooking in the cafeteria at the LDS Cannery in Lindon. This was an 18 month mission, but after three years he was released to share his other talents elsewhere. This reputation also got him a job as a hunting camp cook. For tips he received money, hats, and even a pair of shoes. It’s rumored that he received a $100.00 tip once. As a family, we loved to eat the fruits of Ross’s labor. However, the family favorite is his homemade ice cream. Over the years, whether waiting for ice cream, prime rib, or any other time, Dad could be heard playing the spoons.
All through Ross and JaNae’s house and yard is evidence of Ross’s love of woodworking. The plans for the arbor in their backyard were taken from a 2x2 picture from a magazine. When most people say, “They have had a change of heart” they are referring to a change in attitude or a decision. Ross had a literal change of heart in July of 1989. From time to time one would hear him say, “I’ve had a change of heart.” Ross’s heart transplant gave him 20 extra years to witness all the events of his growing family. Ross has always been a farm boy. From playing on tractors in his youth to his Kubota, to his last tractor, a Sears riding lawn mower. He has loved being on a tractor, and the grandkids took advantage of getting rides anytime they could. Though Ross was somewhat of a kidder, he wasn’t much of a game player. In recent years Ross and JaNae could be found sitting at the kitchen table playing 5 Crowns; many times at Ross’s suggestion. Of all the games the two of them played, it is thought, unfortunately, that Ross ended up with the losing record. And he was okay with that, because he was spending time with his life long sweetheart.
Survived by his wife, JaNae, his children, Colleen Church Nicholes, Todd (Jeanne) Nicholes, Juli (David) Larsen, Bartley (Jennifer) Nicholes, and ALee (Jason) Blake, 20 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, his sister Sydney Thomas, and his brother Doug Nicholes. Preceded in death by his parents, his son Sanford “Sandy” Ross Nicholes, Jr. and 2 brothers, Frank and Tracy Nicholes.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. in the American Fork 5th Ward Chapel, 380 South 300 East. Visitations will be held Monday evening from 6 to 8 pm in the Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 49 E 100 N, American Fork and Tuesday at the church from 9:45 to 10:45 am prior to the services. Burial, American Fork Cemetery."
