Ruth Evelyn Nicol, 90, of Austin, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Wednesday evening, May 21, 2014, at Sacred Heart Care Center.

Ruth was born Jan. 22,1924, in Richmond, Va., to George H. Sr. and Hazel (Griffin) Olliff.

She grew up in Richmond, Va., and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. She was baptized and confirmed and was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Richmond. On Sept. 24, 1943, Ruth was united in marriage to Neal Nicol in Spartanburg, S.C. To this union two children were born.

Ruth worked at the C & P Telephone Company in Richmond as a long distance telephone operator. The couple moved to Austin, Minn., in 1945 after Neal was done with his service time in the air force. Neal (Nick) and Ruth were the owners/operators of Nicol’s Auto from 1945 to 1974, when they sold the business to their son Bill and his wife Linda. They moved to Las Vegas, Nev. for three-and-a-half years and then returned to make Austin their home. Ruth’s hobbies included traveling and walking on ocean beaches. She enjoyed painting and working around her home, she loved her days boating and fishing in Lake City, Minn., at their summer home. Ruth loved spending time with her family and seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. Ruth was a proud member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School.

Survivors are her son Neal “Bill” (Linda) Nicol of Austin, Minn.; daughter, Bonnie (Jens) Williamson of Fremont, Neb.; six grand children Tammy (Patrick) Chase of Naples, Fla., Troy (Tara Anderson) Nicol of Austin, Danielle (Adam) Johnson of Rochester, Minn., and Neal, Spence (Michelle) Williamson and Jenna (Marty) Gifford all of Fremont, Neb.; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Neal (Nick) Nicol; her parents; two brothers; a sister; and her great-great-grandchild.

Graveside services will take place at a later date at  Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, Minn. At that time the family will do a private service. Ruth will be buried next to her husband. Any memorials are preferred to donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home is assisting with local arrangements.