Nichols, Ruby

Services: Have been held.

Mrs. Ruby Nichols, 80, of Portales, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003, at the Retirement Ranch in Clovis.

She was born on Feb. 3, 1923, in Graham, Texas, to Mattie and Michael G. Fields.

She grew up in West Texas and eastern New Mexico. She lived most of her younger life in Hobbs. She married Ervin Nichols on Aug. 3, 1943, in Lovington. They lived in Hobbs until 1955 when they moved to Portales. She worked in nursing homes from 1973 until about 1985. Even after she retired she continued to go to the nursing home and fix the ladies’ hair. Family members said she became interested in helping disabled children and often volunteered to drive children to Truth or Consequences for appointments at the state hospital for crippled children. She was a member of the Holiness Church when she was young.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Sonny and David Fields; three sisters, Martha Osbourne, Cody Derick and Tubby Arnold; and an infant son.

Survivors include four sons, Ervin Nichols and Richard Nichols, both of Branson, Mo., David Nichols (and wife, Brenda) of Portales and Hampy Nichols (Pat) of Vicksburg, Miss.; three daughters, LaVerne Obenhaus of Gallup, Pat Mathis (Bob) of Floyd and Gail North (Greg) of Kingsland, Texas; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; a brother, Cecil Fields of Stilwell, Okla.; and a sister, Katherine Green of Lampasas, Texas.

Burial will be at Portales Cemetery.

The Rev. Hugh Wallis and family members will officiate the services.

Pallbearers will be Robert Jr., Ronald, Dennis and Timothy Mathis, Katie Bagwell and Sarah Obenhaus.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.