Ruth Elsie Hyry Nicholas

KAILUA, HI – Born January 21, 1931 in Beacon, Michigan Ruth Elsie (Hyry) Nicholas died peacefully December 18, 2017 at home in Kailua, Hawaii with family at her side. She was 86 years old.

Ruth enjoyed an idyllic childhood in the Upper Peninsula town of Champion, MI. She graduated as class valedictorian in 1948 from Champion High School. She moved to Detroit and worked for the Red Cross before marrying William F Nicholas March 17, 1951.

During the following years, the family lived in various states and finally settled in California. Ruth graduated from Cal State University in 1969, earning her BA and teaching credentials. She was employed as an elementary school teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District for many years. Ruth was a strong advocate of the Humanities emphasizing art as a learning tool. Her civic duties included an ongoing role in the League of Women Voters, registering voters and petitioning for human rights. Upon retiring they spent six summers running their lovely resort in the Upper Peninsula named “Philomena on the Lake” in Michigamme, MI.

She is survived by daughters Robbie N. Nicholas and Kristine A. Pfannensteil (Tom) of Goleta, Hawaii and son, Robert William Nicholas (Giorgia Visintin) of Nipomo, CA, as well as two grandsons, Zachary William Nicholas and Timothy Robert Pfannenstiel, both of California, sister Sharon Mikkola (Donald) of Toivola, MI, many beloved nieces and nephews and former daughter- in-Law Dinah Distal.

Ruth was preceded in death by parents Edward and Flora Hyry of Champion MI, brother Robert Hyry, sister Rheta (Spires), eldest daughter Lynn Marie (Brewer), and husband, William F Nicholas of Kailua, HI, and their beloved dog, Toby.

Ruth was a warm loving person. She will be missed by many for her great sense of Finnish humor and heritage, with and sparkling Blue eyes.

Private Services.