Patience Nicole "Nikki" Woolfolk

Patience Nicole “Nikki” Woolfolk, 40, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away peacefully at her home on January 14, 2026, surrounded by her family and in the arms of the love of her life, after a courageous 10-year battle with cancer.

She was born on August 5, 1985, in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Drake and Patience Maples and was raised in St. Charles, Illinois. The eldest of four children, Nikki was a natural leader from an early age, so much so that her parents nicknamed her "the commander." She was passionate, strong-willed, confident, intelligent, loving, vivacious, forgiving, funny, brave, and a million more things that words could never convey. Nikki was a force of nature. To know her was to love her. Nikki could always make you laugh or smile. To make her laugh was a feat easily accomplished and richly rewarded. Her laughter filled a room. She gained friends wherever she went and had a gift for bringing people together.

Nikki met Chess in 2006. Chess understood quickly what a treasure she was, and they married on October 1, 2010, in Lawrence. Together, they made a home which welcomed many and raised their two boys with faith, understanding, and love. Nikki loved her sons, Eli and Beau, beyond any measure, and she fought desperately to be with them for as long as she could.

A former high school All American and KU collegiate scholarship swimmer, Nikki brought the same discipline and determination to bear on everything she did. She earned her MBA in 2012 and worked in human resources and as a staff recruiter before transitioning to a Senior Career Advisor for the KU School of Business in 2021. She was enthusiastic about guiding and encouraging students as they prepared for their futures. At home, Nikki enjoyed hosting game nights and dinners and was always up for a fun, lively gathering of friends and family. She frequently tidied up before the night was even over, a reflection of her love for a clean, welcoming home.

In 2016, Nikki was diagnosed with glioblastoma and given a short time to live. She was private about her diagnosis, never wanting anyone to treat her differently. Refusing to let cancer define her, Nikki fought for every moment. Her devotion to her loved ones fueled a decade of courage, resilience, and grace. She beat all the odds. She never stopped fighting. She never gave up.

Nikki’s love, laughter, hugs, joy, kindness, and indomitable spirit will be missed deeply by all. Her love will be carried on in the hearts of any woman, man, child, or beast who was fortunate enough to know her.

Survivors include her husband, Chess Woolfolk; sons, Eli and Beau Woolfolk; dogs, Mikey and Teddy; parents, Drake and Patience (Hambrick) Maples; siblings, Julianna (Kris) Kelly, Jacob (Carolyn) Maples, and Robbie (Morgan) Maples; in-laws, Mark and Laura Woolfolk, John (Sarah) Woolfolk, LeiLei (Adam) Mitchell; her beloved nieces and nephews; extended family members and numerous dear friends. Nikki was preceded in death by her grandparents, Newton and Tutsie Hambrick, and cousin, Chris Hambrick.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Warren-McElwain Mortuary; 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

The family suggests memorials in Nikki’s name to Children’s Mercy and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary 120 W 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.