Ruth Aline Nichols

Ruth Aline Nichols passed away at the age of 94 on Friday, August 23, 2025. She was born on April 18, 1931 in Michigan’s beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula region. Ruth loved to share memories of growing up in a large, loving family as one of 12 siblings. She was proud of her Finnish heritage and of being a Yooper. After marrying her husband Glenn in 1950, Ruth and Glenn first lived in Madison Heights for years before they finally settled on their dream farm in Anchorville Michigan, where they raised five children and spent more than five decades building a life together. They lived a great story filled with love, compassion, positivity, and unwavering faith in Christ. Ruth loved nothing more than spending time with her children and extended family, whether she was cooking for a Sunday gathering, babysitting, or cheering the loudest for her grandchildren during sporting events. She left lasting memories that will be cherished by all. Ruth returned to school in her 40s and became a registered nurse. Her passion for nursing resulted in a legacy of nurses in the family, with a daughter, son, and several grandchildren following in her footsteps. Just as she cared for patients, Ruth also nurtured friends and family through her cooking. Her love language was food, and if you came for a visit, you would be expected to eat. She could make any food on hand stretch to welcome more at the table. Her meals were simple, plentiful, and delicious, and her kitchen was often filled with laughter. She never let anyone leave hungry and her open-door policy made everyone feel like family. Her pasties and raspberry jam were family favorites. For several years Ruth delighted in hand quilting beautiful heirloom quilts for each family member. These treasures will be cherished and handed down for years to come. She also enjoyed volunteering and spent countless hours at SarahCare Adult Day Center in Sterling Heights – helping in the kitchen and sharing laughter with participants. Her warmth and kindness brightened their days. Ruth also volunteered weekly at Down River Helping Hands in Marine City. She organized clothing and helped with food drives, making a difference in her community. She truly enjoyed spending time at church—whether attending Martin Road Gospel Hall, Lakeside Bible Chapel, a church in Florida or her current home church of Lighthouse Bible Church. She loved to learn, serve, and developed many lifelong friendships though fellowship. While she is deeply missed by those who survive her, Ruth is now reunited with her beloved husband of 68 years, Glenn, her son James, daughter Nancy Duchane, son-in-law Frank Duchane, and her parents and siblings. She is survived by her children—Mike (Marie) Nichols, Dan (Mike Toppe) Nichols, and Sara (Dave) Follebout. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation at Wasik Funeral Home in New Baltimore (35259 23 Mile Rd., New Baltimore, MI 48047) on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 4 - 8pm. A private family service will be held in September. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to either The Village of East Harbor Benevolent Fund or the Lighthouse Bible Church Missions Fund, causes that were dear to Ruth's heart. Donations to Presbyterian Village Benevolent Fund can be made online at https://pvmfoundation.org/donate/, Select “East Harbor Benevolence” in the drop down option and please dedicate the gift in memory of Ruth Nichols. You can also donate by phone 248-281-2040, or by mailing a check to “PVM Foundation” at 25200 Telegraph Rd., Ste 400, Southfield, MI 48033 indicating it is for the Benevolent Fund at East Harbor. For the Lighthouse Bible Church Missions Fund, please contact the church office at (586) 725-9951 for more information on how to contribute. Your support in honoring Ruth’s legacy and the family’s wishes is deeply appreciated.

Ruth Aline Nichols

April 18, 1931 - August 23, 2025