Nikki L. Davis

Nikki Lee Davis, 75, passed away peacefully at her home in Oxnard, California on December 12, 2018.  She was an inspiring woman who lived a wonderful life, much of it spent serving others.

Nikki was born in Seattle, Washington on June 6, 1943, daughter to Eino and Barbara Usitalo.  For most of her youth, her family lived in Bellingham, Washington.  She said that her favorite pastime as a child was to line up her dolls and stuffed animals and play school.  This was the beginning of her career in education.  In 1965, Nikki received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Western Washington State University.  In 1966, she moved to Oxnard, California where she received her teaching and pupil services credentials.  She taught history/social science at Blackstock Junior High School for two years before going to Japan and Germany to teach in the U.S. Department of Defense Schools.  In 1971, after returning to the States and her position at Blackstock Junior High, Nikki pursued her own (higher) education, obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education Administration in 1974.  She immediately began her very successful administrative career in the Hueneme Elementary School District lasting until her retirement in 2005.  During those years, she served in many important positions including Principal of E.O. Green Junior High School and Julien Hathaway Elementary School, Director of Educational Services and Associate Superintendent of Educational Services.  Nikki was truly an outstanding educator who touched the lives of countless students and their families, as well as provided training and mentoring to hundreds of teachers and administrators during her exceptional career.

In 1980, Nikki married the love of her life, William Arthur Davis, who was also a lifelong educator.  Nikki and Bill lived a very happy life, enjoying family, friends and neighbors.  They especially enjoyed visits from their grandsons and their families, traveling to automotive races and to Santa Fe, New Mexico to collect Southwest art and artifacts.  These items were beautifully displayed throughout their home.

After Bill’s death in 2008, Nikki enjoyed spending time with her good friends and neighbors, going to luncheons, community events, plays, concerts and movies.  However, her two favorite activities were playing bridge and shopping.

Nikki was preceded in death by her husband, William Davis; daughter, Linda Davis Ngarupe; sister, Barbara Rae Matthewson; and niece, Lynn Senior.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Scheidecker; sister-in-law, Rae Schlessinger; brother-in-law, Kirk Davis; grandchildren, Davis (Kimberly), Brent, Nickolas and Will Ngarupe; great grandchildren, Jane, Colette, Liliana, Nikko, Irie and Lua; nieces, Garni Phillips (James), Patricia Mark (Matthew); nephews, Mark Scheidecker, Timothy Scheidecker, Steven Matthewson and Brent Davis; nine grand nieces and nephews; and six great grand nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to especially thank all of her good friends who visited often and sent cards and well wishes, her wonderful caregivers and the staff at Mission Home Health and Vitas Healthcare, who cared for her during her last three months.

In all areas of life, Nikki made lasting friends and left her mark on all of those who she touched.  Her positive influence is far reaching.  She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, neighbors and the educational community.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation in Nikki’s memory to Assistance League of Ventura County, The Boys and Girls Club of Port Hueneme or Food Share of Ventura County.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Nikki in the Chapel of the Hills at Conejo Mountain Funeral Home and Memorial Park, located at 2052 Howard Road in Camarillo on Saturday, January 5 at 2:00pm, followed by a reception.  

...Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director