Lawrence, Kansas Resident Nikki Woolfolk, Mother of Kansas Coyotes Baseball Standout Eli Woolfolk, Dies After Long and Courageous Battle With GBM Brain Cancer
January 16, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on January 16, 2026
Lawrence, Kansas, community is mourning the untimely death of beloved resident, a proud mother of two and a devoted wife, Nikki Woolfolk.
According to Chess Woolfolk, Nikki’s husband and owner-operator at PDS-Moving Delivery & Storage, Nikki Woolfolk passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones after a long and courageous battle with GBM brain cancer.
Chess revealed that Nikki’s first surgery took place in October 2016, when doctors told him she had just two years left to live.
Despite that prognosis, Nikki Woolfolk courageously fought her battle with brain cancer and became one of the longest-surviving patients with this disease in history.
Chess remembered Nikki as a “beautiful and amazing force of nature” who her family and loved ones will miss immensely.
Nikki Woolfolk touched the lives of many in the Lawrence community with her brave and kind nature.
In addition to being an amazing wife to Chess Woolfolk, Nikki was a loving mother to their two sons, Eli and Beau Woolfolk.
She raised both of her sons, Eli and Beau, to be an amazing athletes from a very young age and often shared her sons’ athletic journey on social media, expressing her love and pride.
Nikki and Chess Woolfolk’s eldest son, Eli Woolfolk, is a 12-year-old seventh-grade student and baseball standout for the Kansas Coyotes. He will soon turn 13 years old in a few days.
Prior to the Kansas Coyotes, baseball for Coyotes Gray 11 & Under A.
Furthermore, Nikki Woolfolk often shared Eli’s achievements on social media, expressing her pride.
The untimely passing of Nikki has left a profound void in the lives of her husband, sons, and loved ones.
During this difficult time, the Lawrence community has created a to help Nikki’s family ease the financial burden as they navigate the loss and organize a funeral and memorial service to honor her.
Late Nikki Woolfolk Excelled in Her Career as Sr. Career Advisor at The University of Kansas
In addition to being an amazing wife and mother, was thriving in her career.
From 2026 until her recent passing, Nikki served as the senior career advisor and instructor at The University of Kansas School of Business in Lawrence, Kansas, where she educated students on career options through the Business Professionalism Program.
Prior to that, Nikki served as the physical recruiter at The University of Kansas Health System for nearly two years and as a physician recruiter and employment and talent specialist at Lawrence Memorial Hospital for nearly six years.
She also served as Senior University Relations Recruiter and Senior Recruiter at Payless ShoeSource in Topeka, Kansas, for two and a half years, and as a human resources generalist and recruiter at Amarr Garage Doors for four and a half years.
Nikki Woolfolk earned her BA in Communication from The University of Kansas in 2008 and her MBA from Baker University in 2012.
Nikki’s contribution to the Lawrence, Kansas community and her kind nature will always be remembered.
Her family will be holding a service to honor Nikki on Monday, January 19, at 2 PM at Warren-McElwain, located at 120 W 13th St., followed by a Celebration of Life Party.
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Suruchi is a business management student with a strong passion for writing, particularly when it comes to sports. She loves creating articles and blogs that explore various aspects of the sports world. With a curious mind and a love for both academics and creativity, she constantly seeks to expand her knowledge and share her insights through her writing.
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