Ruth Nickols
Chataqua, IL |
Ruth Elizabeth Harms Nickols, 96, of Chautauqua Illinois, formerly of Lincoln, Illinois, died peacefully on February 23, 2017, at her home in Chautauqua.
She was born on November 27, 1920, in Washburn, Illinois to Gerhardt H. and Anna Meta Harms. She married Daniel F. Nickols, Jr. of Lincoln, IL in 1943. He preceded her in death in 1983. Also preceding her in death are her six brothers and sisters, Francis Henry Bernard (Augusta) Harms, Lydia Marie Harms (Kibb) Oliver, Eileen Henrietta Harms (James) McNally Julia Regina Harms (Elmer) Wilts, William Gerhardt (Eunice) Harms and Adelbert Meno (Rose Irene) Harms.
She graduated from Lincoln College, Lincoln, Illinois in 1940. Ruth was a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln. She was chairman of the Cancer Society, president of the PTA, and a member of P.E.O. in Lincoln. After a long career, Ruth retired from the Lincoln Savings and Loan of Lincoln, Illinois.
The family moved to Chautauqua, Illinois, where she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, a member of P.E.O. in Jerseyville, and was an active community member of Chautauqua.
Ruth lived every day to be a blessing to others. She was a figurehead within the Chautauqua community to both young and old. She worked hard to keep the young connected to the church, and would volunteer tirelessly for everything and anything. Ruth had quite the connection with Nature; countless strays would be drawn to her nurturing spirit. She fell in love with the TreeHouse Wildlife Center, even feeding a few orphaned babies in the springtime. Her fondest memories included bicycling with friends to Grafton for breakfast every Saturday, keeping her garden teaming with blooms, scooping ice cream for the children from the Chautauqua Station Stand, dancing when her favorite song comes on, and surrounding herself with those she loves.
Surviving are three children: Carolyn N. (David) Simons of Raleigh, NC, Daniel F. Nickols III of Portland, Oregon, and Elizabeth N. McGinley, of Chautauqua, Illinois. Also surviving are four grandchildren: James D. Wilde V, Dr. Caroline H. Wilde, Amanda E. McGinley, and Michael Nickols McGinley, two step-grandchildren, Laurie (Gary) Doliber and Greg (Melissa)Simons, and seven great grandchildren: Anna Schindler Wilde, Gary, Landry, and Wyatt Doliber, and Mackenzie, Connor, and Emma Simons.
Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Jerseyville, IL, Thursday March 2, 2017,
Visitation at 10 am – 11 am and service immediately following. Pastor John Beehler
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:
TreeHouse Wildlife Center 23956 Green Acres Rd, Dow, IL 62022
First Presbyterian Church of Jerseyville, Illinois 62052
Global H2O 2117 Cowper Dr, Raleigh, NC 27608
Alexander & Gubser Funeral in Charge of Arrangements.
Alexander Funeral Home
