Ruth I. Nicholson

Ruth I. Nicholson, age 103, passed away on Monday, May 12th, 2025 at Hearthstone Memory Care, Whitewater, WI.  She was born to W. Hollis Shore and Frances M. Shore on November 23, 1921, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. 

Ruth attended the University of Tulsa where she double majored in History and Education, graduating with honors.   She went on to receive a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance at the University of Tulsa.  Ruth also earned her certification to teach elementary, junior high, and high school grades.  She was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority, the Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, and the Pi Gamma Mu History Honor Society. 

After receiving teacher certification from the University of Tulsa, Ruth began teaching 7th and 8th grade students in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  In 1966, Ruth’s adventures in life brought her to Whitewater, Wisconsin.  From 1966 to 1967, Ruth was a Hall Director at Knilans Hall, UW-Whitewater.  In 1967, she was appointed the Assistant Dean of Students, UW-Whitewater, and held that position until 1983 when she retired.

Before and after retirement she was active in Phi Mu National Sorority, in the Order of the Eastern Star, First United Methodist Church and its Circle 7, Fort Atkinson Woman’s Club, AAUW, the Twilight Tappers, and Fort Atkinson Memorial Hospital Volunteers.  She enjoyed reading and especially enjoyed watching UW-Whitewater and Oklahoma football.  Ruth, a longtime resident at Fairhaven and its Hearthstone Memory Care, made countless friends and great memories over the years. 

Family history was important to Ruth, and she loved to share stories of her many adventures growing up in Oklahoma.  Ruth’s love for Oklahoma and her Golden Retriever, Mark, was well known by anyone who spent a few minutes with her.  She is survived by her half-brother, Jerry (Donna) Shore of Mounds, Oklahoma.  She leaves behind many loving friends.  Preceding her in death were her husband, Ernest C. Nicholson, and Mark, her Golden Retriever. 

There will be a memorial visitation at Dunlap Memorial Home, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, on May 27th, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM. At a future date, graveside services will take place at Okmulgee Cemetery in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. A heartfelt thank you to Hearthstone Memory Care and to Rainbow Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.  Ruth will remain forever in the hearts of her many friends.    

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Ruth to the Humane Society of Jefferson County.  Arrangements were provided by Dunlap Memorial Home, Fort Atkinson, WI.   

www.DunlapMemorialHome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth I. Nicholson, please visit our floral store.