Ruth Ann Nickels

She was born on June 15, 1939, in Aurora, Illinois; daughter of Edward Leon Weis and Elizabeth Agnes Short, and sister to Kathryn Collman. Ruth Ann attended Madonna High school briefly, and then received her high school diploma from Aurora East High School. She was a graduate of Indiana University in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Ruth Ann had a successful retail career in sales, accounting and management, but her passion was in creating beautiful art - numerous drawings and paintings that have been admired by many. Knitting and creating various crafts was a hobby that brought her much pleasure as well. Ruth Ann sold her creations at art and craft shows for many years. She also loved writing and produced greeting cards, short stories and children’s books.

She was a devout Catholic and served God throughout her life by teaching Religious Studies, singing in church choirs, creating banners, organizing fundraisers, and decorating the church for holidays. Ruth Ann attended bible studies, participated in book clubs, was a Girl Scout Leader, and maintained lifelong relationships with friends all over the world through prolific pen pal letters. She enjoyed traveling around the country to attend weddings, graduations, and other family celebrations. When Ruth Ann had spare time or was with her family, she loved completing puzzles, playing any type of game and watching movies – comedies, and yes, endless hours of the Hallmark Channel. The Chiefs had a committed fan in her and baseball games also were a favorite pastime.

Ruth Ann was the loving mother of Michael (Margie) of Carmel, IN, Janice (Johnny) Taylor of Millersville, MD, Theresa (Joe) Kasper of Olathe, KS, Cathy (John) Herndon of Westfield, IN, Mark (Mark Brennan) Nickels of Sarasota, FL, Nancy (Chad) Higgs of Kansas City, MO, Michelle Straight, of Kansas City, MO. Along with her seven children, her seventeen grandchildren (Sarah, Angela, Lisa, Jackie, James, Nick, Tracy, Ben, Cait, JJ, Danielle, Rachel, Ben, Travis, Julia, Matt, and Michael), ten great-grandchildren (Killian, Nolan, Willow, Sage, Forest, Makenna, Kyla, Caleb, Timothy, and Sienna), and many nieces and nephews brought her immense joy and happiness.

Ruth Ann was preceded in death by her parents and step-father, Albert Vargo.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 3 at 9:00 am, rosary at 9:45 and funeral mass following at 10:00 am at Saint Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church (6415 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, MO. 64119). In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to your favorite charity or spend some time playing a game with your family and/or friends in Ruth Ann’s memory.