Marilyn Ruth Nicholas

Marilyn Ruth Nicholas, 76, of Carthage died Saturday, January 29, 2011, at her home after a valiant struggle with brain cancer. Mrs. Nicholas was born October 20, 1934, at Fairfield, Iowa, the daughter of John and Mabel Meth. On June 7, 1953 in Fairfield, Iowa, she was married to Earl Nicholas of Paola, Kansas. He preceded her in death on July 12, 1996. While in Moberly, she and her husband operated two businesses and managed rental properties as well as volunteered for several civic and church organizations. Mrs. Nicholas had lived in Carthage since 1983, moving from Moberly. She followed her own advice to give service to those in need by volunteering countless hours of service and goods to the American Red Cross Board, Carthage Salvation Army, Carthage Crosslines, Carthage Crisis Center, Carthage Public Library, Carthage Caring Communities, ABWA and CHS Band Boosters. Most recently she volunteered at the Carthage Middle School library and as 5th grade RTI reading tutor. She was a charter member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Carthage, where she served as Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher and staff, altar guild and choir; she held several offices in the local and district LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League). Survivors include six children; Linda Huenemann of Lincoln, MO; Karen McCall and husband Dave; Laura Schwab; John Nicholas and wife Rhonda all of Carthage; Martha Ann Nicholas of Springfield, MO and Mary Nicholas of Carthage, 13 grandchildren; Heidi, Mary K., Emily, Karsten, Mary Margaret, Gretchen, Lydia, Emma, Paul, Camille, Katelyn, Ethan, Emilia, 5 great grandchildren; Jackson, Colbin, Caden, Chloe and Peyton, one brother, John Meth of West Burlington, Iowa one sister, Bettie Cross and husband Charles of Grand Junction, CO, and an honorary sister, Carolyn Jean Appleton of Burrows, IN. She was preceded in death by three brothers; Kenneth Meth, Donald Meth and Robert Meth and one sister, Helen Massey. Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, February 3, 2011 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Rev. James Schnakenberg officiating. Visitation will be 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. prior to services. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial contributions may be made to the Earl and Marilyn Nicholas Charitable Fund through the Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of the Ulmer Funeral Home.

Marilyn Ruth Nicholas

October 20, 1934 - January 29, 2011