Ruth Ann Nichols, 82, of Rushville, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at her home in Rushville.

Ruth was born on March 3, 1944, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of Virgil C. and Erma B. (Altheide) Ament. She graduated from Warsaw High School in 1962. On June 29, 1963, she was united in marriage to Randy Nichols in Tioga, Illinois. He preceded her in death on January 31, 2026. She was a member of Rushville Presbyterian Church and was employed at Schuyler State Bank for many years, retiring in 2014. Ruth's life revolved around her family, and she loved attending her son and grandchildren's sports games. Two of her favorite joys in life were mowing at the farm and barn dancing. She also enjoyed relaxing to her favorite soap operas.

Ruth is survived by her son Joe (Cindy Carter) Nichols of Rushville; her daughter Karri Nichols of Pinckneyville, Illinois; her sister Jean Bowman of Quincy, Illinois; five grandchildren: Karri's children Matthew and Maggie, and Joe's children Kolbie, Jegs and Joanna; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Randy, her brother Donald and her sister Alice.

A memorial service for Ruth and her husband Randy will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Bethany United Church of Christ in Tioga, Illinois, with burial to follow at the church cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to Bethany United Church of Christ.