Nichole 'Niki' Brendarae Bales

Nichole "Niki" Brendarae Bales, age 46, formerly of McCook, passed away on March 18, 2022, at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, NE. Niki was born in McCook on April 1, 1975, to Steve and Denise (Pinkal) Bales. She grew up in McCook, attended McCook Schools and graduated in 1993. After graduating high school, she attended and graduated from Lincoln School of Commerce. She worked as a travel agent in Lincoln for several years until she took a job with ITcoalitions. Even after being diagnosed with cancer, she continued to work for ITcoalitions until a week before her death. Niki was an extraordinarily strong and independent woman. She faced her cancer with courage and strength and support from her family and friends. Her outward beauty was equally matched with her inward beauty. Niki enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and spending time in the sun. She loved golfing and Husker football, especially the tailgating. Niki was preceded in death by her infant sister, Shanna Lynn Bales; maternal grandparents, Fred and Ardith Pinkal; paternal grandparents, Floyd Bales and Jean Bales Doyle; aunt, Robin Cook; uncles, Joe Goodenberger and Randy Bales. Those left to keep her memory alive include her parents, Steve and Denise Bales of McCook; sisters, Tandi (Dale) Rasmussen of York, NE, Dannelle (Jeff Reitz) Bales of Omaha, NE; brother, Stevie (Jaz) Bales of McCook; boyfriend, Brian Cain of Omaha, NE; step-grandmother, Carla Bales of Lincoln, NE; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and many McCook friends. Services will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 2:00 PM at the First Congregational Church in McCook with Terry McCorkle officiating. A private burial will take place at a future date. The family will have a time of gathering with friends at the First Congregational Church on Friday, March 25, 2022, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com. Memorials may be given in Nikkis name at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel. Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel has been entrusted with the arrangements. Family Gathering First Congregational Church Friday, March 25, 2022 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM 212 East E Street McCook, Nebraska 69001 Memorial Service First Congregational Church Saturday, March 26, 2022 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM 212 East E Street McCook, Nebraska 69001