Flora Jayne Nykula, 80, died peacefully in her sleep after a year-long illness at 4:30AM Tuesday November 16 2010 at Briarfield at The Ridge.

Born Flora Jayne Miller on June 28, 1930, she was the eldest daughter of Essa and Virginia Dore Miller. Flo grew up in Youngstown and Austintown, where she helped raise six siblings. Flo married Mike Nykula on September 10, 1949, and the couple moved to a small house in Niles, where they raised two daughters. Flo and Mike were married for 41 years. Mike, a steel worker until his retirement, passed away November 2, 1990. Flora was an excellent worker all her life. In addition to being a busy homemaker, mother and grandmother, she was, among other things, a sales clerk, a dental technician, and even a roller skating car hop. She also sang for some years in the choir at Trinity Lutheran Church in Niles. She was an active PTA volunteer and member of the Niles McKinley Band Boosters. With her husband and family, Flora enjoyed fishing, one year winning a Michigan largest walleye contest. She also enjoyed going to garage sales and craft shows.

In her retirement years, Flora took computer courses, and even earned her GED at age 63, writing a notable essay about her childhood which the professor kept for the benefit of future students. In her 70s, Flo became a student of Tai Chi, which she practiced as many as five days a week, all the way up until the time of her illness. She was creative, and made beautifully crafted hand-made cards for all her friends and family. She was also known for her wonderful baking; she seldom showed up at any occasion without a plateful of homemade goodies.

Flora Nykula is survived by her daughters, Valerie Lovitch and her husband Norman of Harrisburg, Nancy Vross and her husband John of McDonald, grandchildren Mathew Vross and his wife Shara and Emily Lovitch. She also leaves a brother James Miller of Austintown, and sisters-in-law Carolyn Miller and Marion Shook. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband, brothers Edward, Joseph, Russell and Jerry, and her sister Sandra.

With her quick wit, beautiful blue eyes and halo of snowy white hair, Flora Nykula was a readily recognizable, always welcome fixture in and around Niles. Her generous and loving heart will always be an inspiration to those who knew and loved her.

Friends may call Friday from 4 to 6PM at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Funeral Services will be held 11AM Saturday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles with Fr. John S. Trimbur officiating.

Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

Family and friends can view this obituary and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com