Nikki Diane Harless

Nikki Diane Harless, 75, of rural Charlottesville, passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at her home. She was born March 16, 1950 in Terre Haute the daughter of the late Bill Curtis and her surviving mother, Annetta (Hammond) Huffman of Oaklandon.

Nikki was a woman that was remarkably multi- talented with unwavering faith and made the absolute most of her time on this earth. Born with a marvelous mind for art, she blossomed creatively in the 1980s, sharing her gifts through teaching stained glass, oil painting, leather work, flower arranging, and calligraphy at Lee Ward’s in Indianapolis. Her hands crafted beauty—whether in classrooms or through the clothing she lovingly made her family for special occasions such as Easter and weddings.

A 1968 graduate of Thomas Carr Howe High School, Indianapolis, Nikki pursued her passion for nurturing others by earning a degree in early child development. She worked at Show-N-Tell Learning Center in Greenfield and later served as the office manager at DeVeau’s School of Gymnastics until 2001, after which she embraced her most treasured role—grandma duty.

Another passion dear to Nikki’s heart was Sign Language. She not only interpreted but also taught it for many years, opening communication and connection for so many. For practice, she was known to take her children to dinner and the only way of communication was by sign language. As a teenager, Nikki began selling Mary Kay; another testament to her multi-talent. She could sell a snowball to an Eskimo.

Her spiritual journey was deeply rooted in faith. In 1979, Nikki became a Christian and led many to the Lord and founded a deaf ministry at Calvary Temple in Indianapolis. She was a dedicated member of Warrington Church of the Nazarene.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 56 years, Thomas Harless of Charlottesville; children, Patricia Bingham of Greenfield, Melissa Kesterson of Greenfield, Trevor (Tanya) Harless of Wilkinson and Courtney Graham of Wilkinson; grandchildren, Rebecca Irene (Tim) Money, Cory Wilson, Jr., Elizabeth Bingham, Chase Banis, Grace Rose Graham, Riley Harless, Payton Harless, Sullivan Elayer Graham and Josef Loney; great grandchildren, Ruby Sue Bingham and Beckham Lane Banis; siblings, Dana (Glenna) Curtis, David Curtis and Yvette (Erik) Johnson; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, she is preceded in death by son-in-law, Tobias Graham and grandson, Davey Allen Bingham.

Services will be at 1:00 PM Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, Knightstown Chapel with Pastor Brad Hacker officiating. Burial will follow in McCray Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Shirley Church of the Nazarene, PO Box 262, Shirley, IN 47384 or Charlottesville Volunteer Fire Department, 10450 E US Hwy 40, Charlottesville, IN 46117.

Condolences and memories of Nikki may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.