Ruth Nichols

Ruth Ernst Nichols - A woman of integrity, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, left us to be with God at the age of 89, in Clemson, SC on June 12th, 2013. She is now in heaven dancing the Jitterbug with the love of her life ? Lew Nichols.

Ruth was born in Philadelphia, PA and graduated from High School in Philadelphia and from college at Penn State University in 1944 with a degree in teaching. She was president of the Chi Omega sorority at Penn State..

Ruth married her life's partner, James Lewis Nichols, in 1945. They celebrated 44 years together before his passing in 1990. Ruth and Lew lived in Midland Michigan for 26 years while Lew worked for The Dow Chemical Co. and they raised 3 children together in a loving home. They spent their last 4 Dow years living in Hong Kong and often spoke of how that opportunity to live abroad and travel was such a wonderful, shared experience for them.

Ruth enjoyed singing and playing the piano and was always an active member of church choir as well as the Koraliers Singing Group at Keowee Key, SC. She taught Sunday School for many years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland, Michigan and at University Lutheran Church in Clemson, South Carolina., where she was also active in the WELCA Women's Organization, Hilltoppers retiree group and Adult Bible study. At the age of 56, while living in Hong Kong, she took up oriental painting and created some beautiful art. Ruth loved dancing, water sports, golf, bridge, trees, birds & gardens and Carolina Blue skies. In her later years, Ruth loved doing crossword puzzles on a daily basis.

Ruth lived her life with love and dignity. She was sweet, kind, devout and loved to laugh. She always had a kind word about everyone she met. She was a generous daughter, mother and grandmother. She gave unconditional love in raising her three children and later as a grandmother to her 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her two sons, James (Freda) Nichols of Florida and Robert (Cris) Nichols of Michigan and daughter, Barbara (Jim) Dutrow of SC; her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be missed in so many ways, but will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents Adolph and Anna Ernst, her loving husband Lew Nichols, brothers & sisters in law, Carl & Toni Ernst and Bob & Doris Ernst, and granddaughter Stacy Lewis.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at 3 PM on Saturday June 15th, at University Lutheran Church in Clemson.. There will be a visitation following the service with the family.

Interment will take place at Midland Memorial Gardens in Midland, Michigan at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person following the service at University Lutheran Church. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the University Lutheran Church of Clemson, 111 Sloan St., Clemson, SC 29631, or Alzheimer's Association 4124 Clemson Blvd., Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621.
Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, is assisting the family.