NICHOLS, Ruth Ann (Palmer)

NICHOLS, PALMER, CLARK

Posted By: K. Kittleson
Date: 10/22/2009 at 21:57:56

CLEAR LAKE - Ruth Ann Nichols, 77, of 906 South Third Street, died Saturday (Aug. 22, 2009) at her home.

A funeral service for Ruth will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, 2009, at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 North Fourth Street, Clear Lake, with the Rev. Dennis Ganz officiating. Burial will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery, Clear Lake.

Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. today, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009, at the Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 101 North Fourth Street, Clear Lake, and continue one hour prior to the service on Wednesday.

Memorials may be directed to the Ruth Ann Nichols Memorial.

Ruth Ann Palmer was born on Feb. 11, 1932, the daughter of Paul and Mildred (Clark) Palmer. She attended Clear Lake High School and continued her education at North Iowa Area Community College, graduating from the nursing program.

Ruth was united in marriage to Gordon Nichols on July 23, 1949, in Garner. To this union five children were born.

Ruth started her nursing career at the Rockwell Nursing Home and worked there until moving to Arlington, Texas, in 1987, where she worked as a nurse for several years. In 1993, she retired and they moved back to Clear Lake. After retirement she worked at the Mason City Airport restaurant until the time of her death.

Ruth's passion was taking care of her husband, children and grandchildren. She enjoyed reading, puzzles and volunteering at the Opportunity Village Store.

Ruth is survived by her husband, Gordon Nichols, Clear Lake; children, Bonnie (Ron) Bendickson, Clear Lake, Peggy Wilcox-Nichols, Clear Lake, Bill Nichols, Clear Lake, Chad Nichols, Denton, Texas, Angel Hepperly, Clear Lake; grandchildren, Jeremy (Summer) Bendickson, Ron "Buck" (Lisa) Bendickson, Paula (Jim) Ogden, Deha Wilcox, Corey Nichols, Colby Nichols, Michael Nichols, Megan Hepperly and Justin Hepperly; 10 great grandchildren, siblings Bernice Hammond, Pauline Zeiley, Janet Welton and Paul Jr. Palmer; along with several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents; infant twin boys; siblings, Eveyln, Irma, James, Willard; and son-in-law, Willy Wilcox.

Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, 641-357-2193. www.colonialchapels.com.