Ben Nioce 1963-2019

Benjamin Franklin “Mzhickteno” Nioce, 56, Topeka, died Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, from complications with diabetes.

He was born July 17, 1963, in Holton, the son of Donald Eugene Nioce and Myra Lee Matchie. He graduated from Royal Valley High School in 1981 and attended a few years of college.

Mr. Nioce served in the U.S. Army for four years after high school. He worked as an over-the-road truck driver for various companies, retiring in 2010. 

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Judy Ray, of the home; three stepchildren, Steven Bouton, Melissa Bouton and Shawna Ray, all of Topeka; three sisters, Ruta Mendez, Holton, Marji Heim, Topeka, and Donna Nioce-Ramirez, Hiawatha; a brother, Raymond D. Nioce, Holton; and 10 grandchildren, Dominick Ray, Brittni Grogg, Qamauara Evans, Breonna Bouton, Anthony Whitford, Blake Bouton, Kayce Prchal, Joseph Bouton, Tena Bouton and Rhayn Counts. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Paul A. Lawrence and Sam Barrow.

A celebration of Mr. Nioce’s life will be held at a later date. Mercer Funeral Home in Holton is in charge of arrangements. Cards of sympathy may be mailed to Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.