Anna Lou was born on December 1, 1930, in Independence, MO, to George DuWayne and Glenna Elberta (Clow) Radmall. Her family later moved to Archie, MO, where she grew up and graduated from Archie High School, as valedictorian of her class in 1948. With an unwavering passion for teaching that began at the tender age of 17, Anna Lou dedicated much of her life to educating future generations. She taught at Highview Rural School #27 for a year (1948-1949), Mount Zion Rural School #63 for two years (1949-1951), Oak Grove Rural School #41 for a year, and Bybee Rural School #89 for 3.8 years before joining the Harrisonville teaching community in 1960, where she touched the lives of countless students throughout grade school, junior high, and high school, until her retirement in 1985.
On August 6, 1950, Anna Lou united in marriage with William Earl Nicholls in Pleasant Hill, MO. Together, they built a loving home in Harrisonville, raising four wonderful children. Anna Lou was not only a devoted teacher but also an active participant in her community. Her commitment to service was reflected in her role as a pianist at the Community of Christ Church in Harrisonville and her memberships with the ADK Teachers Society and Pink Lady Volunteers at the Cass County Memorial Hospital. In her leisure time, she found joy in collecting Hallmark Christmas Ornaments, being an avid reader, sewing, and crafting beautiful cross-stitch pieces. Anna Lou was also a member of Mensa International, the oldest High-IQ society in the world.
Her legacy of love, education, and community service will continue to inspire those she touched throughout her life.Anna Lou was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; her daughter, Georgann Butler; her granddaughter, Michelle Renee Butler; a brother; and a sister. She is survived by two daughters: Carol Nicholls and Alice Nicholls, both of Harrisonville, MO; a son, Robert “Rob” (Christine) Nicholls, of Riga, Latvia; two grandchildren, Heather and Justin (Jennifer) Butler; and six great-grandchildren..
Courtesy Atkinson Funeral Home
