About Us

Who We Are
Honoring memories
As a valued part of the community, we’re honored to support families in celebrating their loved ones. We are committed to making every funeral and memorial service personal, nurturing healing and remembrance.
our commitment
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and always, our promise to you remains unchanged.
Dignity
Every life is unique, and we honor each one with ceremonies that reflect the individual.
Guidance
Grieving can feel overwhelming, but we stand with you, offering guidance and comfort every step of the way.
Legacy
More than a service, we’re dedicated to helping families build lasting tributes that endure for generations to come.
Our story
As one of the oldest and most recognizable landmarks in the area, Nichols Bewley Funeral Home is a stately ode to the community's history. Our funeral home has evolved greatly over the years to accommodate the changing needs of our community. Yet our commitment to service remains the same. Even as we modernize our services and facilities, we stay true to our belief that honoring and celebrating life is deeply sacred and personal.





Our caring staff
Supporting families in building meaningful legacies goes beyond work—it's our calling. We're dedicated to providing you with attentive care, expertise, and heartfelt compassion every step of the way.

Jeff Nichols
Funeral Director / Owner

Jeff Nichols
Funeral Director / Owner
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer - Illinois & Iowa
-Certified Funeral Service Practitioner by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice
-Certified by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards
-Illinois Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
-Iowa Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer
-Certified Crematory Operator
-National Funeral Directors Association
-Illinois Funeral Directors Association
-Iowa Funeral Directors Association
-IFDA Education Committee - Past Member
-Member by Invitation - Funeral Ethics Association
-Past Vice-President Senior Resources Board of Directors

Travis Anell
Community Care Director / Owner

Travis Anell
Community Care Director / Owner
-Graduate of Carl Sandburg College Mortuary Science
-Certified Crematory Operator
-AfterCare Coordinator
-Member of Aledo Main Street
-Member of the AMS Design Committee
-Member Mercer County Family YMCA -Board of Directors
-Member Aledo Kiwanis Club

Kelly Howerton
Licensed Preplanning Specialist

Kelly Howerton
Licensed Preplanning Specialist
Kelly was born and raised in the Rocky Mountains, graduating from Evanston High School in Evanston, WY. She later graduated college at Mt. Hood Community College of Mortuary Science in Gresham, Oregon; and practiced as a licensed funeral director and embalmer for ten years in the States of Oregon and Illinois. Kelly took a hiatus from funeral service to start her family and is now the proud mother of two teenage daughters and one teenage son. While raising her children, she worked in Marketing and Public Relations with OSF HealthCare for 15 years in the Monmouth community. "I am excited to return to the Funeral Industry, as it has always been my true passion; guiding families through the death and grief process", Kelly said. "I am also excited to begin my journey with Jeff and Travis at Nichols Bewley Funeral and Cremation Services as their Licensed Preplanning Specialist. I look forward to serving the Aledo community, as well as the surrounding areas".
Kelly is an extreme sports mom, and spends alot of her time running from games to practices and back again. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing, waterskiing, and spending time with friends and family.
Kelly is a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Monmouth, and she also serves as the Board President for the Monmouth City Cemetery.

Mary Flint
Family Care Associate

Mary Flint
Family Care Associate

Paul Flint
Family Care Associate

Paul Flint
Family Care Associate

Kim Weese
Family Care Associate

Kim Weese
Family Care Associate

Jack Weese
Family Care Associate

Jack Weese
Family Care Associate

Janet Hunter
Family Care Associate - Retired

Janet Hunter
Family Care Associate - Retired
WE'RE HERE FOR YOU
A time to honor,
comfort, and heal
We craft personalized and meaningful memorial services to honor your loved one and support the healing of family and friends left behind.

We'll Take Care of Every Detail
We're here to guide you through it all with a clear, step-by-step process for all of your funeral and cremation arrangements

Unique Funerals & Tributes
Each life is one of a kind. That’s why we provide personalized memorial services tailored to your family’s needs.

Compassionate Care & Support
We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
REVIEWS
"Nichols Bewley has honored and taken care of my family for years!" My first experience was when my grandpa passed away. And many times since! I trust them completely. Always courteous and kind. Good people to have around especially at that time.
- Teresa C.
Our Locations
Where healing begins
We invite you to visit Nichols Bewley Funeral Home and experience a warm, peaceful setting where you can honor your loved one.

Community
involvement
At Nichols Bewley, we actively participate in the community through a range of initiatives. Our efforts include providing educational programs about end-of-life planning, engaging in charitable events, and organizing memorial activities, among other significant contributions.
Plan Ahead
Plan today for peace of mind
By planning ahead, you give your loved ones the freedom to focus on celebrating a life well lived—without the stress of making difficult decisions. Discover the choices you can make today to turn a future funeral into a meaningful tribute, not a burden.
Helpful resources to lead the way
Helpful resources

Funerals & Cremations
Honor your loved one with customized funeral and cremation options designed to fit your family’s wishes and budget.

Grief Support
Access our grief support resources online anytime, providing help whenever you need it most.