Cristi Janae Nikolaus

Cristi Janae Nikolaus died Friday, November 5, 2021, in Flagstaff, Arizona following a lengthy illness. She was 49 years old. Cristi was born on a Saturday, February 19, 1972, in Show Low, Arizona to her mother, Joyce (Clark) and the late Gerry Wynn Nikolaus, who died in 2002. As a baby, Cristi was given the nickname of "Cricket" by her dad.  

She was a graduated member of Show Low High School's Class of 1990. While in high school, Cristi excelled in its athletic program, especially basketball, volleyball and softball. The gifted athlete that she was, Cristi was awarded a softball scholarship to Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher. While living in the Gila Valley, she made many lifelong friends. 

Cristi was a "crafty" person and loved to work with her hands. She loved sewing and could sew just about anything. She also made countless quilts and blankets through the years that she gifted to others. 

As a single mother, she knew what it meant to struggle. She also knew what it meant to navigate herself and boys through those struggles. She reared 2 fine boys who grew into great young men. "They were her world" and brought so much joy into her life. That joy was only magnified with the subsequent births of her grandbabies. 

A fan of country music, some of her favorites included George Strait and Toby Keith. She "loved everything Disney!", and when it came to television, "Friends" was her all-time favorite show. She was a ray of sunshine to others around her, even during the difficult days of her illnesses. 

"You left us way too young. We will love you and miss you forever Cristi."  

Cristi is survived by her 2 sons: Justin (b. 1992) & Dakotah Nikolaus of Queen Creek, Arizona, Jayce Nikolaus (b. 2000) of Phoenix, Arizona; her mother, Joyce (Lyle) Power of Show Low, Arizona; 3 grandkids: Berlyn Nikolaus, Bryton Nikolaus, Breckyn Nikolaus; her significant other, Billy Ray Smith of Concho, Arizona; 5 siblings: Tammie (Karl) Henson of Phoenix, Arizona, Terri (John Smith) Nikolaus of Show Low, Arizona, Scott (Brittney) Nikolaus of Show Low, Arizona, Kim (Tony) Kelley of Queen Creek, Arizona and Jamie (Sam) Larsen of Soldotna, Alaska. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Along with her father, Cristi was preceded in death by her brother, Steven K. Nikolaus in 2018. 

Cristi's funeral service will begin 2:00 P.M., Friday, November 12, 2021, at the Downtown Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 300 N. 11th Street in Show Low, Arizona where the visitation and viewing will begin one hour prior. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Show Low Cemetery.

Cristi's family is thankful for the love and friendship of their community of friends and neighbors during this difficult time and are grateful for the many prayers offered up in their behalf.