Lee Hershel Nicolls, 85, of Edgemont, SD died Friday, October 5, at Custer Regional Senior Care in Custer, SD.

Lee was born August 19, 1922 on the Nicolls Ranch 7 miles SW of Pringle, SD to Lewis Byron Nicolls and Florence Hazel (Sparks) Nicolls. Lee attended the Hopkins Flat Country School, then later Pringle School through the 8th grade. During the time of the depression, Lee's family had a contract to lease 12-15 horses to the Government. Lee would tie them together and trail them single file seven miles to Pringle Monday mornings on the way to school and would trail the horses home on Friday evening.

Lee lived with his parents until his parents both passed away, helping out on the ranch. Lee had many jobs as ranch hand throughout his life, working for Al Stringham, trick rider and roper, Buss Barkley, Phyllis Ramsey and Bill Trotter to name a few. Lee also worked at Igloo, at the Black Hills Ordinance Depot during World Was II.

Mining and Geology was the love of Lee's life. He knew no strangers, just people he hadn't met. Within a few minutes of meeting, he knew about a person's life and took a true interest in it. Of course, he might also try to sell them a mining claim. He always had his eye out for a deal. Lee knew the formations of the Hills, where each type of mineral might be found, and usually how all the minerals were used.

Lee moved to Dewey, SD in 1977 to live with his sister, Vivian Cook. After she passed away, he stayed there until he could no longer live on his own in 2001. At that time, he moved to Cactus Hills Assisted Living in Edgemont. He had been comfortable there until last Monday, when he had a massive stroke and was moved to Custer Regional Senior Care Center in Custer.

Survivors include one brother, Corbin (Helen) Nicolls of Newcastle, WY; one sister, Lake Bush of Newcastle, WY; seven nephews, Bruce (Gloria) Grummons of Newcastle; Hank (Jolane))Smith of FL; Rod Smith of Newcastle; Mike Smith of Co; Stan (Linda) Nicolls of Torrington, WY; Sam (Tracy) Nicolls of Ft. Collins, CO; Merle Nicolls of Newcastle; six nieces, Joanne (Mark) Boggs of Edgemont, SD; Opal (Rick) Forbes of Denver, CO; Cora (Doug) Petersen of Parade, SD; Gloria Bennett of Edgemont; Karen Dowdy of Newcastle; Rose Anne Smith of Newcastle; and numerous grand nieces and nephews.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, one sister; Vivian Cook and one brother; Robert Nicolls, two grand nephews and one grand niece.

Visitation will be Monday, October 8, 2007, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Custer Community Church with Pastor Martin Nussbaum officiating. Committal services will follow at the Pringle Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Lee's name.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.