Viola "Vi" Ryder Nicholson

Viola Nicholson (b. Ryder) died November 28, 2023, at Porter Hospice in Centennial, CO, aged 89, following an extended illness. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, December 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St. 

Born March 8, 1934, in Colorado Springs, CO, Vi lived a rich life of strength, adventure, and service. She graduated from Wheaton College in Norton, MA in 1955 and earned a Masters in Theater Arts at Smith College. Vi married the love of her life, P.C. “Bud” Nicholson, in 1968, and lived the rest of her life in their new home in Littleton. Viola sang in the many choirs that P.C. directed, including the Ridge Road United Church of Christ, Fiasco, and the Littleton Chorale. Viola worked for the Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder Office, writing marriage licenses as well as searching and recording public records for 22 years. After P.C. died in 1984, Vi found joy hiking and traveling with friends and family. She continued to sing in choirs and musicals at the Littleton United Methodist Church. Vi gave to the community, volunteering at area nonprofits, including Denver Audubon, the Denver Botanic Gardens, and Littleton Friends of the Library. She shared her love for the environment, the arts, and public service with her children and grandchildren. Vi’s tenacity was almost matched by that of her famous martinis - start with a chilled glass, add ice and gin, perhaps a splash of Pernod, and finish with a twist.

She was predeceased by parents Viola and Charles Ryder, sister Louise Wiselogle, brothers Charles and William “Billy” Ryder, and husband P.C.“Bud” Nicholson. Viola is survived by her three children, Scott Ferguson, Bryan Ferguson, and Constance “Connie” Ferguson, their spouses Holly, Kim and Rob, and grandchildren, Robert, Jode, Wren, Jessica, and Levi. 

              In lieu of flowers, support in her memory may be directed to the Town Hall Arts Center in Littleton, Denver Audubon, or Denver Botanic Gardens.