Terrol Lynn “Terry” Nichols-Gingras, 57, of Salina, died peacefully with her husband and family by her side, on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012. Terry was born in Salina on March 29, 1955, to Kenneth and Sandra Nichols.

She is survived by her best friend, companion and husband of nearly 20 years, Michael Gingras; mother, Sandra Jenkins; brothers, Greg (Paula) Nichols, of Wilson Lake, and Jeff Nichols, of San Diego, Calif.; nephew, Ryan Nichols; aunts, Ruth Denison, Marilyn Nichols and Virginia Faulkner; uncle, Carl Schrag; numerous cousins; and many pets.

Terry was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Nichols; grandparents, Dean and Irene Trexler and Otis and Lydia Faulkner; many great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many pets.

Terry was born at Asbury Hospital, Salina, where she grew up and attended Lowell School. She moved with her family to Hays in 1962. She moved to Dallas, Texas in 1992 where her mother lived. She went to work for HiLite Industries where she met Mike Gingras in March 1993.They had their first date on April 12, 1993, and they have been together ever since.

Terry and Mike moved to Salina with their pets in 1998 to assist her grandparents. Terry was a homemaker, caring for pets (Nel, Irene, Clara Joe, Fishbait, Trexler, Lois), and she enjoyed gardening, crocheting and camping.

Terry fell down a flight of stairs the evening of Dec. 23, 2011, breaking her neck and severing her spinal cord. Her painful journey began at home, then to Salina Regional, where Pastor Barry Dundus met and prayed with Terry and her family before she began the journey by helicopter to Wesley Medical Center, Wichita.

She was moved to various ventilator capable facilities and hospitals this past year. She was accepted at MaDonna Rehabilitation Facility in Lincoln, Neb., on Oct. 1. After a two month stay, her dream was to return home in Salina but that didn’t happen. From MaDonna Rehabilitation she was transferred to Pleasant View Facility in Inman, where she spent just a few days and was then taken by ambulance to Hutchinson Regional Medical Center where Pastor Dundas again was with her and family.

Terry was very alert from the time of her accident, involved and participating in her rehabilitation efforts, suffering much, with many disappointments along the journey. Cousins were living at each location where Terry would stay and they were able to visit, sharing memories and prayers.

Cremation has been chosen and there will be no viewing. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at Ryan Mortuary, with a vigil at 7 p.m. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with Fr. Brian Lager, Fr. Nick Blaha, and Rev. Abby Caseman officiating.

Memorials may be made to Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation or the Salina Animal Shelter, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina, KS 67401.