Nikki Jean Holden

Nikki was a kind and much-loved woman. Her sons, grandchildren, sisters and niece, as well as other family members and friends, will miss her dearly but have the comfort of knowing she is in a better place. Nikki was born January 8, 1948 in Denver, Colorado. She was the first child of Barbara and Joseph (Doc) Gilbert and was followed by two sisters, Peggy and Susan. The family moved from Denver to Wheat Ridge when Nikki was six and remained there until after all three girls had left home. Life on Holland Ct. was idyllic in many ways. It was a close-knit neighborhood with lots of kids and neighborhood gatherings, including a tradition to head to the mountains for occasional breakfast cookouts. Summers were time for family fishing and camping trips and winter brought sledding and ice skating on a nearby pond. Holidays were filled with family activities, usually shared with Doc’s sister and her family (the Stones) who included three boys, close in age to Nikki and her sisters. Never a dull moment when they all got together. Nikki was active growing up, playing softball and was very involved in Girl Scouts. She had close friends in school and usually had a boyfriend. Upon graduation from high school in 1966, she attended junior college in Sterling for a short while, moved back home and began working. Soon she met her husband Russell Walvoord, who was playing in a band at the time. Russ and Nikki married February 24, 1968 and lived in Wheat Ridge and then Arvada. Their first son, Darrin, was born October 24, 1971 and Nikki loved being a mother. She and Russ moved to Phoenix two years later as result of a career change for Russ. Their second son, Justin, was born November 6, 1975. The family moved to Cypress, California in 1976. During this time Nikki was a full-time mom. Nikki and Russ divorced in 1981 and Nikki and the boys moved back to Colorado. Nikki worked in various jobs, banking, bartending, etc. and eventually began a career with USGS in Lakewood in 1986. Also, that year, she married Bill Holden. Although they later divorced, Bill remained a part of Nikki’s life until he passed in 2012. Eventually Nikki discovered that she had multiple sclerosis and she retired with disability in 2004. During the 1990’s Nikki’s family expanded. Darrin married and had a daughter Amanda (Mandi) in 1995, who she adored and became very close to for the rest of her life. Justin married in 2003 and he and is wife, Kerri, had a son, Oliver (Ollie) in 2009. Nikki loved her family very much and was extremely proud of her sons. Her sons and their families were a big part of her life as they all lived close by once Justin and family returned to Colorado in 2010. She lived with her son Darrin at the time of her death. Her favorite type of vacation was a family getaway in mountains, although she cherished a unique trip she took with her mother to Egypt and London, which had long been a dream of hers. Nikki remained in the Wheat Ridge and Lakewood area for the remainder of her life. She was actively involved in the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 178 in Lakewood. Here is where she met many close friends and socialized, including weekly Bingo games. Nikki’s legacy is her family and friends as she was loving, supportive and kind. She was an avid reader, artistically talented, and dabbled in numerous crafts, mostly crocheting. While her recent battle with cancer challenged her, she remained positive and dealt with it gracefully. Nikki passed peacefully in her sleep and will be missed. Nik, we will look to the heavens and know that you can once again be at peace and are joyously reunited with loved ones. Your legacy is one of love and there can be nothing better. Nikki will be greatly missed by family and friends. She was preceded in death by: Parents: Joseph Ivan Gilbert and Barbara Jean Smith and stepfather John Phillip Hollon. She is survived by: Sons: Darrin Joseph Walvoord and Justin Wendell Walvoord and his wife Kerri; Grandchildren: Amanda Rebekah Walvoord and Oliver Kestin Walvoord; Sisters: Peggy Ann Gilbert, and Susan Jo Gilbert; and niece, Katerina Ann (Katya) Gilbert. A celebration of Nikki’s life will be held January 11, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at the American Legion, Post 178, 1655 Simms St, Lakewood, Colorado. As you help us to celebrate Nikki’s life and find that you would like to make a contribution you may consider the American Lung Cancer of Colorado or the non-profit of your choice in lieu of flowers.