Nikki Rana (Bell) Kasjaka passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022. She was born to Wyatt and Geraldine (Boore) Bell on Apr. 11, 1945, in McCune, Kansas. She married Kurt Kasjaka and blended their two families on July 21, 1984, at Timmons Chapel in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Nikki grew up in rural McCune on a farm and remained a farm girl at heart throughout her life. She shared stories of making mud pies as a little girl from the fine, powdery dirt that the trucks and tractors created. Her childhood spent on the farm formed a passion in her for growing plants and spending time in her vegetable garden. She and her husband enjoyed fishing together. She said that she felt closest to God when she was out in nature.
She attended schools in McCune, Kansas, as well as Pittsburg State University graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social work and later attending night school, working toward a master’s degree. She worked for Kansas State Parole Services, SRS with child protective services, and the Pittsburg Judicial Center as a probation officer for many years. She also served as a guardian for adults with special needs. Nikki felt an empathy and purpose in her social work.
Nikki had an artistic, creative soul. She was a talented seamstress at a young age and later became a master quilter earning numerous awards and recognitions. For many years, she participated in the Little Balkans Quilt Show in Pittsburg, Kansas. She leaves behind many extraordinary quilts that are treasured by her family. She also really loved selling Princess House Crystal and the many friends that she made while doing this. Sharing Princess House gifts to family and friends gave her joy.
Nikki loved to celebrate each and every holiday with her family and would decorate her home with enthusiasm. Christmas was probably her favorite holiday because of how much she loved to all be together and to give and receive gifts. She loved to set a beautiful holiday table with her prettiest dishes. Halloween was also a favorite holiday of hers. She created home-made costumes for her daughters and herself when they were young. She continued to dress up and have lots of cool treats to greet great-nephews, great-nieces, and neighborhood kids. Fun is the word that so many use when they describe her personality.
She had a hard-working and can-do spirit, often taking on difficult tasks despite her petite stature. She built playhouses, created patios, remodeled an old home, and then later helped with the building of a new home in Chicopee, Kansas where she resided the rest of her life.
Nikki is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 38 years, Kurt Kasjaka; children, Lisa (David) Case of Overland Park, Kansas; Amy Haynes (Cathy Frederick) of Arlington, Texas; stepson, Scott Kasjaka of Pittsburg, Kansas; grandchildren, Kathryn and Harrison Case, step-grandchildren, Gabby and Craig Kasjaka; three nieces, two nephews and multiple great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by both her father and mother, Wyatt and Geraldine Bell; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ray and Hilda Kasjaka; her sister, Karolyn Johnson and brother-in-law Paul Johnson; her sister, Carlita Bell and a sister, Karen Jo Bell, who died at birth; her brother-in-law, Craig Kasjaka.
Her greatest joy in life was her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was deeply loved and will be terribly missed.
Nikki wished to be cremated and did not a request a service. Due to Covid, the family requests no visitors to the home.
Donations in her memory may be made to:
https://pittstate.edu/biology/nature-reach/
Nature Reach Office
Delia Lister
Department of Biology
328 Heckert-Wells
Pittsburg State University
1701 South Broadway
Pittsburg KS 66762
Phone: 620-235-4727
Nikki had written this quote in a journal: “Life has to end, love doesn’t”
