Bethany Jean Nicholson Nowlin

Bethany Jean (Kierstead) Nicholson Nowlin, 70, of Ohio, formerly of Nashua and Hudson, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025.

Bethany was born on February 7, 1955, in Nashua, NH, the daughter of the late Ross Kierstead Sr. and Gladys (MacRitchie) Kierstead. She grew up in Nashua and Hudson, graduating from Alvirne High School before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Eastern Nazarene College in Wollaston, Massachusetts. While at ENC, she was a proud member of the A Cappella Choir.

Following graduation, Bethany moved west to Ohio, where she built a beautiful life and developed an amazing circle of friends who became like family. It was there that she met Paul Nicholson, with whom she shared more than 30 years of marriage. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and devotion - creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Bethany was a steadfast and loving wife to Paul, walking beside him through both joys and challenges with unwavering commitment.

Bethany devoted her career to caring for others. She served as Activities Director for Kobacker House, a hospice facility, Director for an inner-city intergenerational Adult Daycare Program, and Director of Northwest Christian Childcare. Whether through leadership or direct care, her work reflected her compassionate spirit and her deep commitment to supporting people in life’s most tender moments. She was also active in her church communities, most recently participating in a women’s mentoring program at Vineyard Church, where her wisdom and kindness left a lasting mark on many lives. 

Recently, Bethany was blessed with a second chance at love. On July 12, 2025, she married her loving husband, Jeffrey Nowlin. As a newlywed, she was filled with joy and excitement for the future they were beginning together. Her heart was full, and her family and friends elated to see her so happy and hopeful in this new chapter of her life.

Above all, Bethany was a devoted mother, advocating for and fiercely protecting her son, Collin. She cherished her role as a wife, mother, and grandmother, and poured her heart into her family.

She is survived by her husband, Jeffrey Nowlin of North Canton, OH; her son, Collin Nicholson of Columbus, OH; stepdaughters, Shelly (Cyle) Coffman of Breckenridge, CO, Jennifer (Todd) Sawyers of Columbus, OH, and Kathleen (Eric) Morrison of Vermilion, OH; stepsons, Michael (Denette) Nowlin of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and David (Maranda) Nowlin of North Canton, OH; grandchildren, Cole, Mack, Laurel, Fiore, Estelle, Roman, Madeline (Robert), Alexander (Olivia), Lindsey, Elaina, Jenna, Harper, and Everly; her sister, June (Mike) Kelley of Concord, NH; her brother, Ross “Butch” (Peggy) Kierstead Jr. of Nashua, NH; and nieces and nephews, Kevin Kierstead of Milford, NH, Barbara (Stephen) Patch of Merrimack, NH, Janet (Mark) Berger of Nashua, NH, Melissa (Dallas) Smith of Florida, and Joy Moody of Franklin, NH. She also leaves behind many cousins and a host of beloved friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, Ross Kierstead Sr. and Gladys (MacRitchie) Kierstead; her sister, Charlotte (James) Moody; and her husband, Paul Nicholson. 

Bethany will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend to all who knew her. She was generous and kind, always ready to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. She had a gift for making people feel seen and valued, and her warmth and humor brought light to every gathering. Bethany’s strength of faith guided her through life, and she lived it with grace, integrity, and compassion. She gave freely of her time, her talents, and her heart, leaving an indelible mark on her family, her church, and her community. Her legacy is one of love, service, and unwavering faith — a legacy that will live on in the countless lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, 10051 Brewster Lane, Powell, OH 43065, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.