Obituary of Diana Rae Nicholson

Diana Rae (Rudolph) Nicholson, 82, died peacefully at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center on November 11^th, nine days shy of her 83^rd birthday.

A third-generation Idahoan, Diana was the middle child born to C. Ralph and Mary Rudolph. Diana graduated from Boise High School in 1958 and attended the University of Idaho. She met the love of her life, Tom Nicholson, in 1961, and they were married on October 12^th, 1963. Together, they recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. They were blessed with three children, Keli, Scott and Jenifer.

Making their home on Estate Dr., Tom and Diana made lifelong friends that became family. Neighbor’s doors were always open and Friday nights were spent at the pool, playing tennis and having barbeques including a “bear-bq.” Diana and her dear friend Jan Bergesen started a wallpaper business known as “The Hangups.” Throughout their tenure, “Patsy Paste” and “Willa Wallpaper” decorated numerous homes in the Treasure Valley.  

Diana found her true passion in volunteering and giving back to her community. Organizations she was passionate about include the Bishop Kelly Foundation, the Junior League, PEO, the Boys and Girls Club, the Ronald McDonald House, the University of Idaho, and Saint Alphonsus. During her years of service at Saint Alphonsus, she was Board Chair of the Foundation, and helped to raise funds for the first Life Flight helicopter, co-chaired a campaign raising funds for Easy Street (rehabilitation), and was instrumental in raising funds for the North Tower expansion. In addition, she and Tom chaired the annual Festival of Trees, not once, but twice!  Diana’s footprints are left all over our community, and we are all better because of her tireless efforts and hours spent volunteering.

Growing up, summers were spent at the family cabin in Warm Lake and later in McCall where Tom & Diana built a beautiful family home to make memories with their kids and grandkids. Days spent on the lake, hosting friends, and celebrating numerous holidays were some of Diana’s favorite memories.

Diana’s greatest joy was spending time with her kids and grandkids. She set such an example for all of us to try to live up to as we attempt to fill this void she’s leaving. She is survived by her husband, Tom, children; Keli Elledge (Dave), Scott Nicholson (Sherri), and Jenifer Dellgard (Tim), grandchildren; Hailee & Brian Elledge, Coy (Janey), Tyler & Daniel Nicholson, and Max & Jake Dellgard, sisters; Ann Ramsey (Jerry) and Sally Yost as well as her nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Saint Alphonsus and Dr. Christopher Alessi for the exceptional care she received in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Diana’s name to the Saint Alphonsus Foundation, the Boys & Girls Club (Garden City), the Idaho Youth Ranch, or the Ronald McDonald House.

Per Diana’s request there will be a private service & burial. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.summersfuneral.com