Terre Haute, IN - Nickie Virginia (French) Hartzler, 75, of Terre Haute, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at her home. She was born on June 14, 1951, in Terre Haute to Charles Otis French and Betty (Wilson) French. Nickie was a graduate of Wiley High School, class of 1969. She was a registered nurse and worked at Terre Haute Regional Hospital. Nickie was an active member of Maryland Community Church and helped with children's services and special programs for many years.

Nickie's life was dedicated to caring for others, starting out as a lifeguard and teachers' assistant while in high school before going on to study nursing at Ivy Tech and Indiana State University. She was a registered nurse for more than 50 years and provided care to thousands of patients in that time. Caring for others was more than just a career for Nickie - it is who she was. She had a generous heart and full-time dedication to tend to those overlooked by other people. Nickie's main hobbies were crocheting and knitting, and she took pleasure in making gifts for the special people in her life and donating prayer shawls to the church. Her caring and kind nature shined in so many facets of her life and her love was a blessing to all who knew her. She was a beloved wife and wonderful mother. Nickie leaves behind not only a family who adored her, but countless people whose lives were made better by her kindness.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Wayne Hartzler, daughter Beth Hartzler, brother Robin French, sisters-in-law Kaye Hartzler and Vivian Hunt (John), nieces, nephews, and many close friends. Nickie was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Betty French.

Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at DeBaun Funeral Home at 7:00 p.m. The family will accept visitors from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Cremation was entrusted to DeBaun Funeral Home. Inurnment at Oak Hill Cemetery will occur at a later date. Online condolences may be made to: